Builders and Contractors Issue #158

On trend

Locally owned and operated

We pride our team on a high quality workmanship which is demonstrated on our projects across the South Island and in our very capable staff and happy clients.

Depots in both Canterbury & Central Otago Lake Regions

Our services include:

• Utility Installation for Power, Water, Drainage, Fibre and Gas

• General Civil Construction and Site Works, Hydro Excavation, Surfacing

• Temporary Traffic Management and Plans

• Concrete Pads and platforms, Roads and Footpaths

• Subdivision Projects and Contract Management

• Engineering Solutions and Structural Works

Phone: 03 323 4433

Email:

By the end of this year trusted builders will be allowed to sign off on their own work under the Government’s self-certification scheme – a Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk will tackle building inspection wait times. It’s tipped to pave the way to quicker home ownership and ciut through red tape causing massive delays – but, as we reveal in this issue of Builders & Contractors, it comes with a warning. Find out how to take advantage of the opt-in scheme inside.

Also in this issue there’s a strong focus on safety including careers advice, renewed scrutiny of businesses whose employees work on roofs, and the introduction of AI-powered hazard detection in the timber industry – plus don’t miss our feature on how to build a culture of workplace safety.

Elsewhere, new legislation aims to open up New Zealand to international markets allowing providing for greater choice and cheaper building materials; we examine the unique challenges of building in Wellington; and we look at the big winners at the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards. Enjoy.

6: Average section price drops to three-year low

What impact is the high cost of building having?

8: Signed, sealed delivered

How to take advantage of new self-certification rules

12: Breaking the bottleneck

The Public Works Act overhaul promises faster and fairer development

20: ‘Greater choice, reduced costs’

How new legislation will open the NZ market to international building products

23: Level up your skills

Turning safety into a career

26: End of an eyesore

Government clears the way to demolish controversial building

32: Raise the roof

Tragedy drives fresh scrutiny of the safety of working on roofs

40: Counting the cost

Can infrastructure pay for itself?

44: Excellence in architecture

The big winners at the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards

46: Training ground

The customised programme luring athletes into the building and construction trades

52: Steel the advantage How steel is revolutionising the industry

58: In profile The Corrugated Steel Manufacturers Association has been keeping standards high for almost 60 years

60: Calls for a system overhaul Clearer pathways needed for apprenticeships

70: On trend Construction cost inflation hits record low

76: Moment in the sun How solar energy could be the best investment you make

80: Landscape lockup The unintended risks of pine carbon farms

84: Learning form a leaky past There are still lessons from New Zealand's chequered history of weathertight homes

104: Workplace fire prevention

Seven tips to help reduce the risk of electrical fires

106: Much more than ticking the box

How to build a culture of workplace safety

108: The capital standard

The unique challenges of building in Wellington

116: Casting a wide net

Safety nets have become a construction site game-changer

Phone: (03) 961 5050

Email: admin@academygroup.co.nz

Web: www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz Level 3/205 Queen Street

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.

Builders and Contractors, a national 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, Site Safe Members, 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.

Are there any captivating projects or products within your company that you'd like to showcase in the upcoming edition of Builders

(03) 961 5184 sales@academygroup.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8140

Average section price drops to three-year low

There were 2,418 new homes consented in April 2025, a 17% decrease compared with April 2024, according to figures recently released by Statistics New Zealand.

“The drop in the number of new homes consented in April 2025 may have been impacted by the timing of Easter weekend and Anzac Day, with people potentially taking time off in between,” Stats NZ economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

“In the year ended April 2025, there were 33,554 new homes consented, down 5.2% compared with the year ended April 2024.”

Monthly home consents data is only one indicator of industry activity. According to new insights data from the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), a shift in consents has occurred during the first quarter of 2024. Building consents for standalone houses have increased slightly, whereas consents for attached dwellings have decreased by 17%.

The BRANZ Build Insights data tool also found that house prices are becoming more affordable, with section prices down 15% ($35,000) from their peak in mid-2022. However, the high cost of building continues to make new builds inaccessible for many.

We’re still experiencing high build costs since the pandemic, from a number of factors, including increased material costs, higher wage costs, as well as the general inflation we’re seeing across all sectors.

- Matt Curtis

The latest quarterly data (January–March 2025) reveals that the average price for a section and new standalone house is down 4.1% to $1,018,000, $43,000 less than the previous quarter (October–December 2024).

However, this remains substantially more expensive (+$201,000) than buying an existing home.

A driving factor for this is that house build prices have continued to increase in recent years and at nearly twice the rate of inflation. Latest estimates indicate that building a basic 200m² home, which would have cost just over $650,000 in mid-2022,

will now cost $777,000. This represents a nearly 20% increase over a period when general inflation rose by 12%. Existing property prices have increased slightly over the same period.

“We’re still experiencing high build costs since the pandemic, from a number of factors, including increased material costs, higher wage costs, as well as the general inflation we’re seeing across all sectors,”

BRANZ Senior Economist Matt Curtis says.

“But this new data is showing us the first signs of improving affordability in the newbuild sector, and since 2023, the number of building consents issued for standalone homes has been slowly increasing, growing

5% in the year ending March 2025 compared to the year ending March 2024.

“We’re also seeing house sizes getting smaller to adapt to rising costs. The average size of new standalone houses consented in 2024 was 176m² compared to 184m² in 2023,” he says. “Generally, smaller and simpler houses are a good thing – they cost less to build and are also more cost-effective for people to live in, with less energy and maintenance expenses.”

Since 2022, the building and construction industry has faced significant challenges, including a decline in new start-ups and notable increases in business liquidations (up 37% in the year to February 2025 compared to a year earlier).

Government allows self-certifications

The Government has gone ahead with its new scheme to allow trusted builders to sign off on their own work. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says that the government will also set a mandatory target to tackle building inspection wait times. Inspection targets and legislation to enable the opt-in self-certification scheme will come into force by the end of the year.

“Making it easier and more affordable to build opens the door to homeownership for more Kiwis, gives families choice about where they live, and supports growth and job creation in the construction sector,” Penk says.

The opt-in scheme allows eligible building companies, plumbers, and drainlayers to self-certify their work on simple residential dwellings, with a scope to be outlined in future regulations. It’s expected to free up capacity in the building consent system, allowing consent authorities to focus on high-risk, complex jobs. The changes are hoped to construct 3,000 homes each year without delays due to approvals or inspections.

“We can’t achieve this vision while the building consent system remains slow and overloaded. Even simple, single-storey homes must go through around 12 inspections before they’re finished, with costly delays when demand is high. At a time when many Kiwis are locked out of the housing market, that’s simply not good enough.”

Penk says giving qualified plumbers and drainlayers the ability to self-certify their work puts them on equal footing with electricians and gasfitters, who have had that flexibility for years. “Reputable building companies delivering large numbers of near-identical houses each year will be able to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve a building consent and carry out inspections.

Participants in the scheme must demonstrate an appropriate, specified level of competency and experience, and be trustworthy; the details of this will be determined soon. “Kiwis should have confidence that their homes are built to a high standard. That’s why only proven professionals who meet strict criteria will be eligible for the scheme, and only for simple residential dwellings.”

The Government will maintain workflow by requiring BCAs to complete 80% of building inspections within three working days. Penk promises BCAs will be given updated guidance and practical strategies to reduce bottlenecks and prioritise this workload. BCA targets will be publicised in quarterly performance data.

He adds that wait times can stretch up to a week, having a knock-on effect which can add about $400 for every day a project is

As technology, materials, and information continue to evolve, it is crucial that our consenting processes also evolve to remain fit for purpose. This reform will help create a more efficient, predictable, and effective system that benefits builders, developers, and, ultimately, all New Zealanders.

- Master Builders’ CEO Ankit Sharma

held up. “We regularly hear from builders frustrated by the disruption to project timelines and the uncertainty it creates for homeowners.”

Master Builders’ CEO Ankit Sharma says the changes are a step in the right direction. A 2024 Master Builders survey said 80% of members deal with multiple BCAs, with 66% reporting consent process delays. “For too long, the fragmentation of New Zealand’s 67 BCAs has created inconsistencies and delays, which have had significant consequences for builders, developers, and homeowners alike.

“Our members have highlighted the challenges of working across multiple BCAs, each with its own processes and interpretations of regulatory standards. This not only delays projects but also increases costs. A nationally aligned consenting system will go a long way to addressing these inefficiencies and providing greater certainty to the building industry.

“As technology, materials, and information continue to evolve, it is crucial that our consenting processes also evolve to remain fit for purpose. This reform will help create

a more efficient, predictable, and effective system that benefits builders, developers, and, ultimately, all New Zealanders.”

Wrangling cowboys

Critics have argued that self-certification schemes could increase the risks of poor workmanship. Now, the Government has announced process changes to make identifying substandard work easier and to impose harsher consequences for those who do so. Penk says the new rules will help increase accountability and give consumers a clear path forward if things go wrong. “Most tradies are highly skilled and trustworthy, but the industry tells me high-profile examples of poor workmanship are tarring the good with the bad. I have also heard that Kiwis want assurances that the Government’s work to unblock the building consent system won’t lead to corners being cut.

The changes include strengthening the Licensed Building Practitioners Registrar, establishing a new waterproofing LBP license class, and improving the complaints process for licensed trades. Penk says this is just the beginning. “More reforms are on the way to crack down on cowboy builders - including

Expert builders should be allowed to shoulder the liability for their work, protected by insurance. That would free them to innovate and build faster, while giving clients the security of knowing that if something goes wrong, they’re protected.

- Cameron Luxton

increasing penalties for careless work.”

The Labour Party remains unsure, saying the consenting changes open the door for cowboy builders. The opposition party supports building more homes at pace, but tradespeople shouldn’t carry all the risk, and public safety shouldn’t be compromised.

“We have lived through the cost of building failures before. We must not repeat the mistakes of the leaky homes era by lowering standards in the name of speed,” Labour Local Government spokesperson Tangi Utikere says. “Without transparency, enforceable accountability, and a clear process for redress, the public cannot have confidence in a self-certifying model.

“We need to ensure construction cowboys don’t slip through the cracks.”

Utikere says trust in the building system depends on strong, independent checks, which give families the confidence to build homes. “The Government is talking about a high threshold for builders to be deemed trusted, including insurance and quality assurance requirements. But we have not yet seen how that will work in practice.”

Risky business

As the Government rolls out these certification changes, underlying concerns with the policy are answered. One is who bears the risk for subpar and dangerous work. Right now, local councils can be held liable. ACT Party Building and Construction spokesperson Cameron Luxton says New Zealand’s overreliance on councils in consenting and certification results in bottlenecks and delays.

“Expert builders should be allowed to shoulder the liability for their work, protected by insurance. That would free them to innovate and build faster, while giving clients the security of knowing that if something goes wrong, they’re protected,” Luxton says.

Concerns that the Government’s changes sound eerily similar to the leaky home crisis of the 90s and early aughts are hard to ignore. Then, local councils and, by extension, ratepayers, ended up shouldering the bill because councils conducted consents and inspections, even if the fault lay with builders or developers who had long since disappeared or gone under.

In many cases, homeowners had little legal recourse beyond suing councils, resulting in multimillion-dollar settlements and a loss of

public trust in the building consent system. This liability burden also made councils more risk-averse, contributing to the slower, more cautious consenting culture seen today.

The Government says final eligibility criteria and regulatory guidance for the scheme will be released in the second half of 2025, with the legislation expected to pass by December. Builders and tradespeople interested in self-certification must meet competency thresholds, undergo ongoing audits, and

maintain active insurance. BCAs will also begin publicly reporting on their inspection turnaround times each quarter.

Balancing demand for more homes with the need to maintain building quality is a classic industry challenge. Whether self-certification becomes a modern solution or a repeat of past mistakes will depend on the fine print, the follow-through, and the people trusted to get it right.

• Waterproof and fire mortar mixes

• Waterproofing systems and membranes

• Fast setting & acid-resistant mixes

• High strength culvert bags & road sign retaining bags

• Products for sewer repairs and water treatment

• Water treatment plant repairs

From insight to implementation: The story behind the FIRESTOP product range.

Over the years, Firestop Centre has earned a reputation as a specialist distributor of passive fire solutions. However, we wanted to challenge ourselves — to become more than just a distributor.

So, we launched our own line of fire-rated products and systems—FIRESTOP. This product range includes solutions for linear joints, fire-rated access systems for walls and floors, ductwork fire protection, duct access systems, and a variety of fire-stopping accessories tailored for these applications.

The goal of this initiative was to share our team’s industry knowledge and help simplify the specification and installation process for clients. It has also significantly expanded our database of fire-rated systems, positioning the Firestop Centre team closer to the industry frontline.

We began by listening closely to feedback from contractors, installers, and specifiers. Every challenge faced on-site was analysed and fed into our research and development process. This approach directly guided or influenced our fire-resistance testing, leading to practical, tested solutions.

With years of experience in the industry, we understand the importance of compliance.

It broadens the range of applications, strengthens your reputation, and builds confidence in your solutions.

One of our recently introduced products is FIRESTOP Ultra Sealant, part of the FIRESTOP FR product line. This intumescent sealant was tested for both fire resistance and UV exposure. Its formula makes it suitable for internal and external use, offering flexibility across a wide range of installation scenarios. With full technical and compliance documentation available on our website, FIRESTOP Ultra Sealant meets regulatory requirements while remaining easy to apply on-site.

Another fire-rated solution from the FIRESTOP range is FIRESTOP Duct Wrap38. We offer the largest range of certified fire-rated systems for ducts of all shapes — including circular ducts, which had not been previously tested in Australia or New Zealand. The team conducted eleven fire certification tests on FIRESTOP Duct Wrap-38, along with several more on FIRESTOP Duct Wrap-25 — a thinner and more affordable option ideal for smaller diameter ducts, such as kitchen exhausts. We are especially proud of our duct wrap systems, as this challenging project originated from an emergency that we successfully turned into an opportunity.

With full technical and compliance documentation available on our website, FIRESTOP Ultra Sealant meets regulatory requirements while remaining easy to apply on-site.

As a complementary product to the FIRESTOP Duct Wrap-38, we also offer a certified access solution for fire-rated ductwork—FIRESTOP Duct Access Hatch. Our team approached this product with enthusiasm, recognising that existing access solutions required the installation of two hatches, a complex and time-consuming task for installers. With our new hatch, only one installation is needed, significantly simplifying the process.

To summarise, FIRESTOP fire-rated products and solutions are special to us because they are the result of our hard work and over 17 years of industry experience. This is reflected in fire-stopping systems that offer excellent fire performance, easy installation, and comprehensive local compliance.

A new era for infrastructure Public Works Act overhaul promises faster, fairer development

In a move set to reshape New Zealand’s infrastructure development landscape, the Government has completed the most significant reform of the Public Works Act (PWA) in nearly half a century.

Land Information Minister Chris Penk confirmed that the review, initiated to address inefficiencies and outdated provisions, has now concluded, with a sweeping amendment bill due to enter Parliament mid-2025.

The overhaul is a cornerstone of the Government’s wider economic growth strategy, aiming to make it easier and faster to build the homes, roads, energy infrastructure, and public services that New Zealand urgently needs.

According to Penk, the current system has long been plagued by delays, budget blowouts, and regulatory bottlenecks that hamper progress. He described the existing Public Works Act as no longer fit for purpose, citing average land acquisition timelines of up to a year and two years or more when compulsory acquisition is required, excluding potential delays from Environment Court challenges.

These delays, he said, are no longer acceptable at a time when the country is facing a productivity crisis and an infrastructure deficit. The new framework is designed to streamline processes, promote fairness for landowners, and expedite the delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

The reforms are being introduced in two phases. The first phase focuses on streamlining the land acquisition process to make it more efficient and cohesive. One of the major changes is the delegation of land acquisition responsibilities to government agencies that frequently use the Act, such as the New Zealand Transport Agency.

This means that instead of routing every acquisition through a central authority, these agencies can now negotiate directly with landowners. However, the Minister for Land Information will still retain oversight for compulsory acquisitions, ensuring a layer of accountability remains.

Another important change will enable greater collaboration among agencies involved in connected infrastructure projects. Instead of each department or authority acquiring land separately, they’ll be able to coordinate their efforts, streamlining what has traditionally been a fragmented process. This co-operation is especially vital for largescale projects where transport, water, and energy developments intersect.

The Government also plans to enable both central and local authorities to acquire land when existing infrastructure needs to be relocated to make way for new public works. This move is expected to reduce friction when dealing with legacy utilities like power lines, pipelines, and stormwater systems.

The reforms also extend to the legal process. The Environment Court’s role in reviewing objections to land acquisitions is being clarified to ensure it does not overlap with the Resource Management Act, which has previously created confusion and procedural

The overhaul is a cornerstone of the Government’s wider economic growth strategy, aiming to make it easier and faster to build the homes, roads, energy infrastructure, and public services that New Zealand urgently needs.

delays. Compensation disputes, which often hinder the process, will now be routed first through mediation or alternative dispute resolution in an effort to avoid costly and time-consuming court cases.

For state-owned enterprises like Transpower, the changes offer a faster route to acquiring land for energy infrastructure by allowing them to enter into agreements directly, bypassing some of the existing procedural hurdles.

But while the first phase of reforms focuses largely on streamlining and modernisation, the final stage places a strong emphasis on landowner rights and community engagement.

To encourage early, voluntary agreements, landowners who agree to sell their property before a formal Notice of Intention is issued will now be eligible for an incentive payment. This payment will be equal to 10% of the property’s value, up to a maximum of $100,000. This incentive is designed to promote cooperation and avoid prolonged negotiations.

Compensation packages have also been overhauled to better reflect the emotional and financial toll of forced relocations. The home-loss payment has been increased from $35,000 to $50,000, and the landloss payment range has been adjusted

to a more generous scale. Importantly, home-loss compensation will now apply to multiple homes on a property, such as multigenerational farm holdings or trust-owned land, which had previously been overlooked. The acquisition process itself has been redesigned to centre on engagement. Before any compulsory acquisition can take place, landowners must receive clear and comprehensive information about their rights, entitlements, and the planned project. Authorities are now required to enter into good-faith negotiations for at least three months, and six months in the case of Māori freehold land, before taking further action.

The reforms also introduce a new emergency provision that allows for expedited land acquisition in the event of a declared state of emergency. This mechanism, activated by an Order in Council, will allow authorities to respond more quickly to disasters like Cyclone Gabrielle, where destroyed infrastructure needs urgent replacement and community recovery efforts are time-sensitive. Penk noted that disasters underscore the importance of having a legal framework that supports swift, decisive action when it’s most needed.

The Government has already committed to correcting a long-standing discrepancy that led to Māori freehold land being undervalued in the compensation process. This adjustment, combined with the broader reforms, aims to create a more equitable and transparent system that benefits all New Zealanders.

The upcoming Public Works Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament later this year, after which it will enter the Select Committee process. The public will have the opportunity to submit feedback and help shape the final legislation.

New 20% Investment Boost deduction

A game changer for commercial property, plant and equipment

A novel new tax incentive has just landed, and many in business should be interested. We have worked through a range of client scenarios and examined the implications of the new Investment Boost, announced in the 2025 NZ Budget. The Boost is effective for eligible assets first used or available for use, on or after 22 May 2025. It may apply to a wider range of assets than covered here, so just ask us if you have something different or unique, and we’ll test it.

Here’s what you need to know

It’s not just buildings

Think commercial property, plant, equipment, refurbishments, imported second-hand machinery or any qualifying asset new to New Zealand.

Key benefits

An immediate 20 percent deduction on eligible commercial or industrial buildings or business-use assets, including major refits. This is in addition to depreciation.

Eligibility conditions (simplified)

• First available for use on or after 22 May 2025

• Never previously used or depreciated in New Zealand

• Land is excluded

• Must be used in a taxable business activity (including leasing out commercially)

Example – $2.5 million commercial acquisition in FY26 (1 June).

• $1 million land (not deductible)

• $1 million non-depreciable building –$200,000 boost

• $500,000 fit-out – $100,000 boost plus $400,000 depreciable from FY26

• Year one tax benefit circa: $93,333

Yes, second-hand plant from overseas qualifies

If it is new to New Zealand, it counts — even if manufactured years ago.

What about commercial landlords or leasing entities

Leasing counts as a taxable use. Provided assets meet the criteria, the 20 percent deduction is still available.

What about mixed-use buildings

Only the commercial portion qualifies. Residential accommodation is excluded unless it meets specific exceptions like hotels, hospitals, or rest homes.

Watch for clawbacks

If the asset is later sold for a gain, some of the 20 percent deduction may be clawed back as depreciation recovered.

Strategic opportunities emerging

• Commercial refurbishments (tenancy fitouts, major upgrades)

• Releasing idle or unsold commercial units post-22 May

• Fractional hotel-style, rest homes or short-stay commercial property structures

• Support for selling commercial funds or unitised portfolios

• More demand for commercial space per recent CBRE signals

We’ll likely see ideas evolve as it’s new, with novel ideas and structure-specific nuances.

If you’re in business, developing, advising, leasing, financing, or investing in commercial property or plant, it’s worth exploring.

Logan Granger, Partner

Johnston Associates

Mobile 027 283 8331

Call 09 361 6701 or email info@jacal.co.nz www.johnstonassociates.co.nz

We can help. Our strategic business advisory services can make running your business smoother and legitimately more tax efficient. If you’re after growth, or just need more certainty, but not sure what the next steps are, talk to us. Robust reporting and forecasting can make decision making clearer, reducing risk, and with our team’s experienced overview, we can find opportunities to optimise your business. We provide mentoring and support with the added benefit of access to our network of trusted Intermediaries, for specialist services.

Your dream kitchen starts here

Looking to create a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful? X-Kitchens is your go-to partner for crafting stunning, bespoke interiors that elevate both new home builds and renovations across New Zealand.

At X-Kitchens, the team understands that the kitchen isn’t just another room - it’s the heart of the home. It’s where morning coffees are made, family dinners are shared, and late-night chats over snacks unfold. That’s why they pour care and creativity into every project, ensuring your kitchen feels just as good as it looks.

Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming up your forever kitchen or a builder looking for a trusted supplier, X-Kitchens brings the experience, design expertise, and craftsmanship needed to make your project a success. They’re not about cookie-cutter

solutions. Every kitchen they create is custom-built to match the client’s needs, style, and the flow of the home.

What sets them apart? It all starts with their commitment to bespoke design. X-Kitchens works closely with clients to understand what matters most, whether that’s sleek modern finishes, warm classic charm, or something bold and contemporary. From the initial design concept through to installation, their team handles everything with precision and care.

Their services don’t stop at kitchens either. X-Kitchens also designs and installs beautiful laundries, wardrobes, vanities, and custom joinery. Their integrated approach means your entire home can have a cohesive, wellthought-out look and feel, tailored to the way you live. It’s about making sure every space is functional, durable, and genuinely enjoyable to use every day.

Builders love working with X-Kitchens, too. They know timelines are tight and expectations are high, which is why X-Kitchens is known for delivering on time and on budget. Their streamlined systems ensure a smooth process from start to finish, making them a reliable partner for projects of all sizes.

Every element is thoughtfully chosen, from high-quality materials to clever storage solutions that make everyday life easier. X-Kitchens is proud to combine craftsmanship with practical design, ensuring the final result is not just beautiful, but genuinely liveable. Best of all, the team is approachable, passionate, and easy to work with. They bring a personal touch to every project, making the experience just as enjoyable as the end result.

Whether you’re renovating, building from scratch, or simply ready to upgrade your kitchen to something that truly reflects your lifestyle, X-Kitchens is here to help. Browse their gallery, get inspired, and book a consultation at www.xkitchens.co.nz.

They’re not about cookiecutter solutions. Every kitchen they create is custom-built to match the client’s needs, style, and the flow of the home.

With X-Kitchens, you’re not just building a kitchen—you’re creating a space where memories are made, meals are shared, and life happens. Experience the difference of working with a team that treats your project like it’s their own.

admin@xkitchens.co.nz

133E Pilkington Road, Panmure, Auckland 1072

www.xkitchens.co.nz

Power meets Affordability

Limited Time Finance Rate

Get more from your machine with Komatsu Utility Excavators –tough, reliable and ready to work.

For a limited time, take advantage of our 1.99% finance rate, plus enjoy the confidence that comes with *4 years / 4,000 hours of factory-backed warranty **

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP’s) are a very effective control method of risks and hazards when working at height.

Correct use will ensure the occupants are not at risk of falling out. This hazard is eliminated through the right MEWP selection, use and operator safety systems (OSS).

There is a reason for there being different styles and sizes of MEWPs in the market. Each one has a “sweet spot” in operating range, occupant positioning and operating conditions. There is not a one type of MEWP to cover all types of work. Every time you need to work at height, you need to assess the task, site and environment to be able to determine the correct MEWP for the job.

Assess these factors and you can confidently select the right MEWP for the task. Every task is different which may require a different type of MEWP each time. Don’t just make one MEWP do all tasks, this increases your risk profile and introduces new hazards to control. Remember, a MEWP is a highly effective risk management tool, poor selection removes the effectiveness.

The NZ MEWP market is a highly compliant, safe and productive sector. We have a very low instance of injury; serious harm and fatality rate related to MEWP’s and their use.

This flows from a very good quality training regime. The industry follows the Best Practice Guidelines for MEWP’s and is highly

compliant to it. We are one of the only industries that has a great, relatable and easy to follow guideline. This guidance explains what good training and safe use looks like. From this, training companies have put together very effective training programs that have real tangible and measurable outcomes.

The BPG describes the using of nationally recognised NZQA unit standards as a way of demonstrating competency. This ensures everyone from all parts of the country are trained in right safe use use of MEWPs.

In a recessionary world, you see cutting of costs and standards to try and save money in a business. Effective MEWP training takes time, needs to be inclusive and delivered through direct engagement with trainer/ assessor and the trainee. If you are seeing or being offered lesser value lines for MEWP training, you can expect poorer outcomes and higher risks.

Ensure you get high quality training for your operators, don’t take short cuts.

Feel free to reach out to the EWPA if you want further assistance on these or any matters around Mobile Elevating Work Platforms and their value to your work.

Easing access to crucial materials

New legislation to open the NZ market to international building products

A reform in New Zealand’s building sector is set to transform the way building materials are sourced and approved, promising greater choice, reduced costs, and improved resilience to supply chain shocks.

Passed on 2 April 2025, the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill aims to streamline the use of internationally certified building products by integrating them more efficiently into the local regulatory framework.

By the end of July 2025, over 12,000 essential products—including plasterboard, cladding, and insulation—will become easier to use under the new system. These reforms represent a significant step in expanding access to a broader global building products market, while ensuring compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says, “Builders and designers will soon be able to count on high-quality products from overseas being accepted by Building Consent Authorities (BCAs), eliminating unnecessary delays and reducing project costs.

The current system has long been criticised for limited competition, high material costs, and sluggish productivity. The 2022 plasterboard (GIB) shortage highlighted the sector’s vulnerability to disruptions in local supply chains.

With just a handful of dominant players, the building materials market in New Zealand has lacked the flexibility and competitive pricing seen in comparable economies.

Minister Penk highlighted the gravity of the issue. “It is unacceptable that it costs around 50% more to build a standalone home in New Zealand than it does in Australia. Since 2019, building costs have risen over 40%, and productivity levels have remained stagnant since 1985.”

By reducing regulatory red tape and introducing recognised international certification schemes, the Government aims to bring New Zealand in line with global best practices, making building faster, more efficient, and less costly.

Making certification and compliance easier

Under the new legislation, products certified through internationally recognised standards and schemes—vetted and endorsed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)—must be accepted by BCAs, provided they are used as intended.

These changes will reduce the burden on BCAs, builders, and designers to prove compliance, creating a more streamlined consent process.

“The Bill targets every level of the product assurance system: standards, certification schemes, and compliance pathways,” explained Suzannah Toulmin, Manager of Consenting and Practitioners Policy at MBIE. “Our goal is to deliver the greatest benefit across the entire sector.”

Key features of the reform package include:

• Recognition of overseas standards and certification schemes: Reducing duplication in compliance processes

• Building Product Specifications: Simplifying how international standards can be cited and used alongside the Building Code

• Mandatory BCA acceptance: Requiring BCAs to accept overseascertified products recognised by MBIE, ensuring consistency and reliability. However, the oversight of BCAs remains crucial. BCAs will still assess proposed building work to confirm that products are being used appropriately and that the final outcome meets Building Code requirements. The core principles of safety, durability, and health remain non-negotiable.

Builders and designers will soon be able to count on high-quality products from overseas being accepted by Building Consent Authorities (BCAs), eliminating unnecessary delays and reducing project costs.

- Chris Penk

Building and Construction Minister

While the immediate focus is on improving access to foreign products, the Bill is also expected to benefit local manufacturers. By enabling local products to be tested against internationally accepted standards, New Zealand-made materials could become more competitive on the global stage.

“This is not just about imports,” Chris Penk says. “It’s also about empowering local producers to meet international benchmarks, opening the door to lucrative export opportunities.”

This Bill aims to reduce the cost of building products, strengthen our resilience to supply shortages, and give more choice to the people designing and building homes,It’s about making the system work better for everyone involved.

- Suzannah Toulmin

Part of a broader reform

The Bill is one component of a comprehensive reform programme aimed at modernising New Zealand’s building and construction sector. Other measures include:

• Simplifying the process for minor variations and customisation within building consents

• Removing the building levy on projects under $65,000

• Expanding digital tools and pathways for faster approval processes.

These collective reforms are designed to tackle longstanding barriers in the sector and bring about a more agile, competitive, and efficient building system.

“This Bill aims to reduce the cost of building products, strengthen our resilience to supply shortages, and give more choice to the people designing and building homes,” Toulmin says. “It’s about making the system work better for everyone involved.”

Looking forward

With implementation just weeks away, the industry is bracing for a shift that could redefine how building work is done in New Zealand. For professionals across the construction value chain, the changes represent both a challenge and an opportunity to adapt, innovate, and build a more competitive and sustainable future.

As Chris Penk put it: “Once these changes take effect, Kiwis will be able to tap into the global building product market—and finally pay a fair price for quality construction.”

The changes target each level of the building product system and will:

• Enable recognition of overseas standards and standards certification schemes, therefore removing the need for designers, builders or Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to verify standards

• Streamline the citing of international standards with the new Building Product Specification, which can be used with Building Code documents to show compliance with the Building Code

• Require BCAs to accept building products certified overseas and recognised by the regulator, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Level up your skills to boost your career

Working in an infrastructure trade can offer the opportunity to work on the project and assets that are vital to keeping New Zealand moving and growing.

Connexis provides industry training and apprenticeships in infrastructure trades like civil construction, as well as energy, telecommunications and water, but it also offers a suite of other qualifications that can help grow skills and careers across a range of different roles and industries.

Expanding into areas like health and safety, asset management, contract management, procurement, and temporary traffic management can unlock new opportunities, boost job security, and position workers as leaders in a rapidly evolving industry.

Here is a closer look at some of the qualifications Connexis offers that apply across multiple industries:

• Temporary Traffic Management Microcredentials (Level 3 and Level 4): Connexis offers a suite of five short NZQA recognised courses in different aspects of TTM such as Applying Controls to Low-risk Lowimpact Activities, Assisting with TTM in the Road Reserve, Mobile Operations, Risk Assessment, and TTM Design.

• NZ Certificate in Workplace Health & Safety Practice (Level 3): covers applying and communicating legal requirements of health and safety to the workplace, completing risk assessments.

• NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works Contract Management (Level 5): covers the applying requirements from the contract, tendering, and estimating processes to implement infrastructure works contracts, and managing infrastructure works contractual requirements for the duration of a contract.

• NZ Diploma in Infrastructure Asset Management (Level 6): covers preparation, implementation and review of asset management planning, developing asset risk management and lifecycle plans, completing optimisation processes to enhance outcomes for infrastructure projects.

• NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Procurement Procedures (Level 6): covers creating a procurement plan, preparing RFx documents, evaluating tenders, applying legal and ethical standards to tendering.

All Connexis qualifications are developed with industry to ensure skills and knowledge match what is expected and required by industry.

Case study: Turning safety into a career

Nicole Oliver is a big believer in working to live, rather than living to work. That personal motto has evolved into a passion for workplace health and safety.

Nicole, an administrator for water and wastewater project delivery company Bellcon, is in the final stages of completing her New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health & Safety Practice (level 3) through Connexis.

Nicole’s adventures in health and safety began when she took a short course to become Bellcon’s workplace health and safety rep. Not only did she successfully complete that course she uncovered a new passion.

“I just found it so interesting. It’s really my niche. I think work-life balance is really important, and health and safety has a big part to play there.

“I’ve worked a lot around civil construction as an administrator, and you do hear some horror stories. No task, activity, or job is worth getting hurt for. Everyone in the workforce dedicates a lot of time and energy working to provide for their family, so

I am really interested in how health and safety can help people do that safely.”

Nicole says she has been incredibly well supported through her training by the team at Bellcon and by her Connexis Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM). Because Nicole’s job doesn’t really involve hands-on working in the field, she says her CSAM has helped her work out how she can achieve the practical requirements of her course.

One of Nicole’s health and safety passions is to try and make it easier, and more engaging for everyone within the company to want to participate in health and safety measures.

“I’m really trying to take health and safety away from being a really mundane thing. I’m trying to make it more interactive and engaging, to get more people involved. It really helps people absorb the information.”

Nicole is excited about continuing her health and safety qualifications beyond level 3.

For more information about Connexis infrastructure trades qualifications visit www.Connexis.org.nz

Safe, reliable, professional

Looking for unparalleled electrical services in the Waikato region? Rivertown Electrical is your go-to, specialising in a wide range of electrical solutions.

Whether you need domestic, rural, commercial, or industrial services, our skilled electricians are ready to deliver toptier and unmatched customer care.

Superior service options

Rivertown Electrical provides an extensive array of services. From routine maintenance checks to complex installations and emergency repairs, our team ensures your electrical systems function flawlessly. Our expertise covers everything from rural installation and servicing to domestic installation, maintenance and servicing. No job is too big or too small for us.

Deep local roots and expertise

Located in Huntly, we are deeply embedded in the Waikato community and understand its unique electrical needs and challenges. Our local knowledge not only helps us deliver effective solutions but also

guarantees compliance with regional safety standards, giving you peace of mind that your electrical work is done right.

Customer satisfaction: Our core commitment

We prioritise our clients’ satisfaction above all else. Rivertown Electrical is dedicated to exceeding your expectations through our responsive customer service, punctuality, and commitment to solving your electrical issues swiftly and efficiently. We listen

to your needs and tailor our services accordingly, ensuring a personalised experience every time.

Safety and quality standards

Safety is number one to us at Rivertown Electrical. We adhere to strict safety standards, and all our work is compliant with national regulations. Our electricians are well-trained in the latest safety protocols and use only the best tools and technologies, guaranteeing the highest quality of workmanship.

Our expertise covers everything from rural installation and servicing to domestic installation, maintenance and servicing. No job is too big or too small for us.

Reach out for exceptional electrical services

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Contact information

Rivertown Electrical

07 828 7240

rivertownelectrical@xtra.co.nz

www.rivertownelectrical.co.nz

30 William Street, Huntly 3700

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End of an eyesore

Government clears the way to demolish controversial building

The long-running standoff over Wellington’s Gordon Wilson Flats is finally coming to an end, with the Government announcing it will remove the building’s heritage protection to enable its demolition.

Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop confirmed in a press release published in June of this year that Cabinet has approved a legislative amendment that will clear the way for the derelict structure to be torn down. The move comes after more than a decade of legal and planning that have prevented progress on the site.

“The Gordon Wilson Flats were used as social housing until 2012, when an engineer’s report showed the building was so unsafe that large slabs of the concrete exterior could come off in an earthquake or even a strong wind,” Chris Bishop said in a press release.

“The building has sat vacant since then, becoming more dangerous and more of an eyesore every year.”

Once used for state rental housing, the 11-storey building overlooking The Terrace has become a symbol of what the Government describes as a failed planning system that prioritises heritage preservation at the expense of common sense and safety.

“There has been attempt after attempt to deal with the Gordon Wilson Flat since 2012, all of which have failed,” Bishop said. “The flats sit as an ugly scar on the Wellington skyline, emblematic of a failed planning system that prioritises preservation of heritage, no matter the economic cost.”

The amendment, to be added to the upcoming Consenting and Other Resource Management System Amendments Bill, will remove the flats’ protected heritage status and make their demolition a permitted activity under the Resource Management Act. This means no resource consent will be required for its removal.

“Cities shouldn’t be museums,” Bishop said. “The Wellington City Council wants the Gordon Wilson Flats demolished, the University (the current owner) wants them demolished, and the people of Wellington want them demolished too.”

A heritage building with a troubled history

Constructed in 1959 and named after government architect Gordon Wilson, the building was once a prime example of modernist architecture and public housing. It was added to the Wellington District Plan heritage list in 1995 and later granted Category 1 heritage status by Heritage New Zealand.

However, after safety concerns forced its evacuation in 2012, the building fell into disrepair. Despite several efforts by Victoria University, which brought the building in 2014 and now owns the

property, to demolish or repurpose the structure, heritage protections repeatedly blocked progress.

While critics have argued for the cultural and architectural value of preserving the site, the Government maintains that the current situation is unsustainable.

What is a heritage building, and why do they matter?

Heritage buildings are formally recognised structures that carry cultural, historical, architectural, or social value. They serve as physical reminders of a city’s evolution, representing the craftsmanship, styles, and stories of past generations. In New Zealand, heritage recognition is managed at both national and local levels, with varying degrees of protection that can prevent demolition or restrict modifications.

Supporters of heritage conservation argue that such buildings enrich urban identity, create community pride, and can be opportunities for education, tourism, and adaptive reuse. But, maintaining heritage buildings can also be costly and complex, especially when they are in disrepair or pose safety risks.

In the case of Gordon Wilson Flats, the Government has concluded that demolition is the only logical path forward.

While critics have argued for the cultural and architectural value of preserving the site, the Government maintains that the current situation is unsustainable.

What happens next?

The legislation is expected to pass in the middle of this year. Once in effect, Victoria University will still need to obtain a demolition consent under the Building Act, which covers factors like asbestos removal, sediment control, and site safety. However, they will no longer be required to undergo the RMA consent process for demolishing a heritage structure.

The University has not yet released detailed plans for the site’s future, but previous discussions have included the possibility of student housing or teaching facilities.

As Wellington prepares to say goodbye to a once-iconic, now crumbling piece of architecture, the debate between heritage preservation and practical urban development still continues.

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Too hot to handle

Before we know it, summer will be back, and so will the heatwaves, restless nights, and soaring indoor temperatures. For many New Zealanders, especially those living in modern townhouses, the warmer months don’t just bring beach days and barbecues. They bring heat, intense, sometimes overwhelming heat that turns living spaces into sweltering ovens.

Recent data from the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) backs up what many of us already feel: New Zealand homes can get seriously hot in summer. According to a survey conducted during the 2023/24 summer, a whopping 70% of people said their homes were warmer than they wanted at least some of the time. And interestingly, it wasn’t just in the country’s traditionally warmer regions. Wellingtonians reported higher rates of discomfort than Aucklanders, despite recorded temperatures in their homes being actually lower. That suggests that design, layout, and ventilation—rather than outdoor temperatures alone—play a major role in how hot a home feels.

That brings us to townhouses. Compact, efficient, and often more affordable than standalone homes, townhouses are an increasingly popular housing choice, especially in urban centres like Christchurch, which now has the highest concentration of townhouses in the country. According to a recent report, townhouses now make up around 24% of Christchurch’s housing stock. But alongside their rapid rise in popularity has come a growing concern: they might just be too good at trapping heat.

In December, just as the heat started to ramp up, a Christchurch townhouse resident went public with concerns after recording bedroom temperatures that hit an unbelievable 50 degrees Celsius. While this might be an extreme case, it’s not an isolated experience. Across the country, townhouse dwellers are reporting indoor heat levels that are not just uncomfortable but potentially unsafe.

What’s causing the issue?

A lot of it comes down to design. Many townhouses are built with energy efficiency and affordability in mind, but this often means compromises are made, particularly in terms of airflow and insulation. High-density housing tends to have less exterior wall space, which can restrict cross-ventilation. That means fewer windows to open, and less opportunity for natural breezes to pass through. Add to that the growing trend of smaller outdoor areas, darker roofing

materials, and tightly packed developments that reflect heat between walls, and it’s easy to see how things heat up quickly.

Then there’s glazing. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors might look sleek and modern, but they also act like magnifying glasses in the summer sun. Without adequate shading or tinting, they can turn a room into a greenhouse by mid-afternoon. And if a townhouse has a north or westfacing orientation, it’s likely to soak up the worst of the afternoon sun.

There is also a growing reliance on heat pumps, not for heating, but for cooling. Traditionally, many Kiwi homes were focused on staying warm through the winter, with heat pumps installed for those chilly months. But in recent years, that’s flipped. One Auckland installer recently described the industry shift as moving from a winter heating business to a summer cooling

business. Today, nearly half of all heat pump installations in summer are reportedly going into high-density housing like townhouses.

But not everyone has a heat pump. And not every heat pump is enough to counteract the poor design decisions that trap heat in the first place.

So what can be done?

The good news is that conversations are beginning to shift. The government is reviewing ventilation rules, with a particular focus on the needs of residents in highdensity housing. As it stands, current building standards don’t always guarantee that new homes will stay cool in summer, particularly those with limited passive airflow or inadequate insulation against heat.

For homeowners and renters, there are also some practical changes that can help make a difference. Installing thermal curtains or blinds, adding exterior shading like awnings, and opting for lighter roofing materials during re-roofing can all help reduce indoor temperatures. In some cases, retrofitting ventilation systems or upgrading insulation can be a worthwhile investment.

But the larger solution lies in how we approach housing at a design level. If townhouses are going to be a long-term part of New Zealand’s housing future, as seems likely, then they need to be built to cope with New Zealand’s increasingly extreme weather patterns. That means smarter window placement, better cross-ventilation, higherperformance glazing, and materials that reflect heat rather than absorb it.

A well-designed townhouse should be comfortable all year round, not just in winter. As the climate continues to change, and our cities grow taller and denser, we must take heat seriously, not as an afterthought. Because a bedroom shouldn’t feel like a sauna before sunrise, clearly, something needs to change.

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The risks of working on roofs

WorkSafe is urging businesses whose employees work at height to take the risks seriously after a tragic workplace accident left a Wellington man permanently injured. The incident, which happened in April 2023, has prompted renewed scrutiny over the safety practices of companies working on rooftops and in other elevated environments.

The accident occurred when 38-year-old Josh Bowles, a relatively new employee at a commercial cleaning company called Prowash, fell six metres from a wet rooftop in central Wellington. The roof was slippery from both rain and cleaning chemicals, and Mr Bowles, who had only been in the job for two months, had no prior experience working at height. He also hadn’t received any formal training on how to safely use harnesses, roof anchors, or other fall-prevention equipment. Tragically, the consequences were severe. Mr Bowles suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple broken bones, and spent more than half a year in hospital recovering. He continues to live with chronic pain and has been unable to return to work. He is also a father of five, adding a heavy emotional and financial toll to his ongoing recovery.

A subsequent investigation by WorkSafe revealed serious gaps in Prowash’s health and safety procedures. Although some limited edge protection was in place, it was clearly inadequate for the job. In situations like this, where edge protection alone isn’t enough, a well-maintained and properly used harness system should have served as a backup. But the company failed to provide it. Even if such a system had been available, Mr Bowles wasn’t trained in how to use it, highlighting a broader failure in staff preparation and risk management.

Adding to the concern, Prowash was unable to produce any documentation outlining how it planned to manage risks in this kind of environment. No written safety procedures, hazard identification processes, or formal risk assessments were provided to WorkSafe investigators. The absence of basic workplace safety planning suggested a systemic disregard for the health and well-being of

workers, particularly in hazardous conditions such as cleaning a rain-soaked iron roof treated with chemical products.

“This was a preventable fall which has permanently impacted a young father’s quality of life and job prospects,” said WorkSafe principal inspector Paul Budd.

“Falls from height are one of the most wellunderstood risks in the workplace, and there is simply no excuse for not having robust safety systems in place.”

According to WorkSafe, the best protection against falls isn’t reliant on workers making quick decisions under pressure—it’s about eliminating risk through proper planning and physical safeguards. “The most effective controls are those that don’t rely on active judgment by workers,” Budd said.

“This includes things like scaffolding and edge protection. If someone slips or loses their balance, there should be something physically there to stop them from falling.”

Mr Bowles’ fall happened during poor weather, but the job continued despite the obvious risks. Budd emphasised that when conditions make a job too dangerous, businesses have a responsibility to delay the work until it’s safe to proceed. “There’s never a good reason to push forward with hazardous work when the weather or other factors increase the danger,” he said. “Stopping work to keep someone safe is always the right call.”

WorkSafe’s message is clear: employers must take responsibility for their workers’ safety, not only by complying with regulations, but by actively identifying hazards and responding to them before someone gets hurt. “Where businesses fail to manage risk, we will take action,” Budd said. “This isn’t just about legal compliance; it’s about influencing the culture of workplace safety in New Zealand. Every worker deserves to go home at the end of the day in one piece.”

Josh Bowles and his family are now facing a long road ahead. His story stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of neglecting basic safety practices. While no regulation can turn back time, WorkSafe hopes that strong enforcement and real accountability will prevent others from enduring the same hardship.

Preventing falls from roofs isn’t complex, but it does require a clear, consistent commitment to safety—one that starts long before anyone climbs a ladder. The most effective way to

protect workers at height is to eliminate the risk. Still, when that’s not possible, there are well-established safeguards every employer should have in place.

Every job involving height should begin with a detailed risk assessment. What are the hazards specific to this job and this site? Is the roof pitched or flat? Are there skylights or fragile surfaces? Will the work be done in wet or windy conditions? These aren’t minor questions—they should guide decisions about equipment, timing, and worker responsibilities.

Written safety plans should be standard. These documents help ensure nothing is

Wherever possible, edge protection—such as guardrails, scaffolding, or temporary barriers—should be installed to prevent falls. These passive systems are the most reliable because they don’t depend on individual decisions or quick reactions.

overlooked and can also be used to brief workers so they know exactly what the risks are and how to stay safe. Plans should be site-specific, updated regularly, and shared in full with everyone on the job.

Wherever possible, edge protection—such as guardrails, scaffolding, or temporary barriers—should be installed to prevent falls. These passive systems are the most reliable because they don’t depend on individual decisions or quick reactions.

If edge protection can’t be installed, a harness system becomes essential. But a harness alone is not enough. Workers must be trained to use the equipment correctly, understand where and how to anchor themselves, and know how to inspect their gear for wear and tear. Equipment should be checked before every use and stored

properly to ensure it stays in good condition.

Josh Bowles’ fall was made worse by the fact that he hadn’t been trained to work at height or use fall protection systems. No one, regardless of their level of experience, should be sent onto a roof without the proper knowledge and confidence to work safely. Training should cover not only the “how” of the job, but also the “why” behind safety protocols. When people understand the reasons behind the rules, they’re more likely to follow them.

Training should be ongoing, too. It’s not a one-off induction or a box to tick. As gear, work environments, and standards change, so should the training. Employers should keep records of who’s been trained, when, and in what.

Weather is one of the most unpredictable hazards on any work site. Wet roofs, strong winds, and low visibility all increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. WorkSafe is clear: it’s better to delay a job than to push ahead in unsafe conditions. No deadline is worth a life-altering injury.

Before work begins, the forecast should be checked. If conditions worsen throughout the day, supervisors should be prepared to pause or postpone the job. Having clear procedures for stopping work can save lives and protect businesses from liability.

Ultimately, health and safety should be viewed as a dynamic system, not a static checklist. After each job, teams should take time to review what went well and what could be improved. Were there any close calls? Were all procedures followed correctly? This kind of reflection helps build a culture of accountability and improvement. Businesses should also conduct regular audits of their safety systems, checking whether policies are up to date, whether equipment is being maintained, and whether workers feel confident and supported. Safety should be built into the way a business operates, rather than being treated as an afterthought. By following these principles, businesses can protect their workers and prevent the kind of tragedy that changed Josh Bowles’ life. Falls from height are often sudden, but the systems to prevent them are well known. What’s needed now is for every employer to take those systems seriously—and act before it’s too late.

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AI to improve timber worker safety

A major leap forward in worker safety is taking shape in the timber manufacturing industry with the introduction of AI-powered hazard detection, thanks to a nearly half-milliondollar agreement between WorkSafe New Zealand and Claymark, the country’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products. This initiative comes in response to a workplace tragedy where a worker lost two fingers due to unsafe machinery at Claymark’s Rotorua factory in February 2023.

Following a WorkSafe investigation into the incident, it was found that the machine involved wasn’t properly guarded, and the company’s maintenance systems were inadequate. Additionally, the worker hadn’t received the necessary training or supervision. This tragic event highlighted the need for a stronger approach to health and safety in the timber industry, leading Claymark to commit to improving its safety protocols.

Now, Claymark has entered into an enforceable undertaking (EU) with WorkSafe, a binding agreement that will make sure the company takes the right steps to fix its shortcomings. As part of the EU, Claymark is investing $481,000 in a range of safety initiatives, including the development and deployment of innovative AI technology designed to detect hazards in real-time.

The highlight of Claymark’s safety plan is the use of CCTV systems combined with AI capabilities. These systems will actively monitor workers’ surroundings and alert them to any potential safety risks before they turn into serious issues. This tech aims to prevent accidents by providing an extra layer of awareness that workers or supervisors might otherwise miss.

In addition to rolling out AI systems, Claymark will offer up to 15 trials of the technology to other businesses in the wood manufacturing sector, encouraging broader use of smarter safety solutions across the

The highlight of Claymark’s safety plan is the use of CCTV systems combined with AI capabilities. These systems will actively monitor workers’ surroundings and alert them to any potential safety risks before they turn into serious issues.

industry. The company is also introducing microlearning tools and interactive safety displays in break rooms to continuously educate workers on health and safety.

Claymark’s efforts go beyond just meeting regulations—they reflect a well-rounded approach to workplace safety, focusing both on technology and employee engagement. The company has also committed to offering reparation to the injured worker and collaborating with local communities and schools to raise awareness about safe practices in wood manufacturing.

Along with the technological upgrades, Claymark is working with the Central North Island Wood Council (CNIWC) and other industry groups to share their safety learnings and help build a stronger culture of

health and safety within the timber sector. The company aims to create a workplace where workers feel supported, informed, and ready to tackle safety challenges.

Alongside the AI surveillance systems, Claymark is modernising its approach to worker training. The company is investing in online, interactive training modules that can be customised for different roles within the factory. These flexible modules will allow workers to complete safety training at their own pace, making sure they are fully prepared to recognise and deal with potential hazards.

“We’re excited to see Claymark lead the way with AI innovation, which could benefit the wider timber processing sector,” said Tracey Conlon, WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services. “Agreements like this are all about turning a negative event into an opportunity for positive change.”

Paul Pedersen, Claymark’s executive director, echoed this commitment, saying that the company’s focus on safety goes beyond just meeting the rules. “This is about creating a workplace where our people feel informed, supported, and safe. Claymark is committed to continuous improvement and working with others to build a safer, stronger future for our people, our industry, and our communities.”

For Claymark, this isn’t just a regulatory response—it’s a personal commitment to ensuring that no worker faces the same risks again. The company recognizes that workplace safety is a constant journey, requiring ongoing attention, adaptation, and innovation.

The worker who lost two fingers in the incident has been deeply affected by the accident. After undergoing three surgeries and facing a long recovery, he continues to adapt to life with a permanent injury. While the injury has changed his life in significant ways—including his ability to play music, a passion he’s had for years—he remains hopeful about the future and thankful for the support from his family and Claymark.

In his statement, the worker expressed appreciation for Claymark’s efforts to improve safety, saying, “I’m really grateful for Claymark’s commitment to improving workplace safety, especially the initiatives outlined in this agreement. I’ve seen these changes firsthand. While my future looks different than I imagined, I’m determined to keep moving forward, one day at a time.”

As Claymark leads the way in using AI technology and improving safety practices, it sets an example for the timber manufacturing industry and other high-risk sectors to follow. By combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on worker wellbeing, Claymark is paving the way for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future in the workplace.

This partnership between WorkSafe and Claymark shows how businesses can turn a serious incident into a chance for meaningful change. By prioritizing worker safety through innovative solutions like AI and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the timber industry is taking big steps toward reducing accidents and improving safety for workers nationwide.

Trusted experts in pump and electrical services

At Pump & Electrical Services, located in the heart of the Waikato, we specialise in delivering pump and electrical solutions tailored to both residential and industrial clients. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every service we provide, making us your ideal partner for all your pumping and electrical needs.

Your trusted service provider

Range of services: Our expertise includes a diverse array of services, including domestic and industrial pump systems, cutting-edge milking machinery, and water treatment technologies. Each service is customised to address the challenges of our clients, ensuring top performance and dependability.

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UV water treatment systems: Specialised in enhancing water quality for both public supplies and private residences, our UV treatment systems are equipped with installation and maintenance services, ensuring your water remains pure across the greater Waikato area.

Dedicated customer service: We strive to exceed your expectations with exceptional customer support, both before and after your purchase. Our knowledgeable team is always available to answer your questions and offer tailored solutions that meet your specific requirements.

Available around the clock: Understanding that emergencies can occur at any time, we provide 24/7 support to ensure your systems operate smoothly without interruption. Our emergency response team is just a call away, ready to assist you when you need it most.

A pillar in the community: Based in Hamilton and extending our services through our Huntly workshop, we pride ourselves on being a reliable part of the local community. Our commitment to professional integrity and personalised service has earned us the trust of numerous customers.

Contact us today

For expert guidance on system upgrades, new installations, or any other inquiries, reach out to Pump & Electrical Services. With our deep industry expertise and commitment to quality, we are your go-to source for all pumping and electrical needs. Call us at 07 846 0678 to speak with one of our experienced team members, or visit our Hamilton office for a consultation.

Pump & Electrical Services Ltd.

Hamilton Address

25 Lincoln Street

Frankton, 3204

Hamilton 07 846 0678 (Available 24/7)

Huntly Address

12 Main Street

Huntly, 3700

07 828 7552 (Available 24/7)

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846 0678 (24 hours 7 days)

Can infrastructure pay for itself?

NZ Infrastructure Commission explores the possibilities

New research from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission is examining whether public infrastructure investments, such as roads, schools, hospitals, and water systems, can eventually generate enough revenue to cover their own costs.

Peter Nunns, General Manager of Strategy at the Commission, said that while the social and economic benefits of infrastructure are well understood, how these projects are paid for remains less clear. He noted that all infrastructure must be funded somehow, but the mechanisms for doing so are not always straightforward.

The challenge of funding new infrastructure

One common method of funding new infrastructure is through higher user charges or increased tax rates. However, according to a recent Ipsos survey, although many New Zealanders support increased infrastructure investment, few are willing to pay more through taxes or charges to make it happen. An alternative approach is to invest in infrastructure projects that indirectly generate revenue—by stimulating economic activity or increasing usage, for example— leading to higher returns from existing taxes, rates, or user fees. The Commission’s latest report, Paying it back: An examination of the fiscal returns of public infrastructure investment, explores when and how this model is viable.

When infrastructure pays for itself

According to the report, projects that are cost-effective and serve a large population are more likely to recover their costs through increased revenue. Prioritising high-value projects can enhance New Zealand’s ability to invest in future infrastructure needs.

However, the threshold for a project to fully pay for itself is extremely high. Nunns explained that the government typically only captures a small portion of the economic value created through infrastructure investments.

For a transport project to break even fiscally, it must deliver social and economic benefits at least five to nine times greater than its cost to generate enough new tax revenue.

The report also highlights that incremental infrastructure expansion—adding to networks bit by bit as demand grows—tends to deliver better fiscal returns. In contrast, large-scale “big bang” developments often fail to produce enough revenue and must be subsidised from general taxation, potentially at the expense of other critical services like healthcare and education.

Insights from local councils

One of the report’s case studies looked at seven large or rapidly growing urban councils over 25 years. It assessed how much each spent on infrastructure to accommodate population growth, including both construction and maintenance costs.

The findings showed mixed outcomes. Some councils managed to recover their costs through increased rates revenue

and development contributions from new buildings. Others, however, spent more than they gained. Councils that scaled infrastructure growth in step with population increases were significantly more likely to break even or generate a surplus over the 25-year timeframe.

Beyond the bottom line

While revenue generation is an important consideration, Nunns stressed that the core purpose of public infrastructure is to improve community wellbeing, not necessarily to be profitable. However, with the dual pressures of an ageing population and slowing productivity growth straining public finances, fiscal sustainability will need to become a more prominent consideration in infrastructure planning.

Report highlights and case studies

The Paying it Back report includes three detailed case studies to illustrate how different types of infrastructure investments perform financially:

Local government infrastructure (2007–2031): This case study analyses infrastructure investment across seven councils—Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown-Lakes, and Dunedin—to assess long-term fiscal impacts of population-driven growth.

Major transport projects: The study evaluates the fiscal returns from four significant transport initiatives:

• Ōtaki to north of Levin (O2NL) motorway

• Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway

• Warkworth to Wellsford motorway

• Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL)

Value capture scenarios: A hypothetical analysis tests the effectiveness of a value capture levy—a tool that collects a portion of increased property values resulting from infrastructure improvements. Different project characteristics and population densities were modelled to assess the impact on revenue recovery.

Key takeaways

The report outlines four key lessons for boosting revenue from infrastructure investments:

• High-quality, cost-effective projects serving more users tend to generate stronger fiscal returns

• The threshold for a project to fully pay for itself is high

• Incremental growth in infrastructure often yields better financial outcomes than large-scale projects

• Attaching dedicated revenue streams, such as levies or targeted rates, can significantly improve fiscal sustainability.

As New Zealand continues to grapple with infrastructure needs amid fiscal constraints, these findings provide valuable guidance for decision-makers looking to balance public benefit with economic reality.

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Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery wins top honour at 2025 Concrete Construction Awards

The refurbishment and expansion of Whanganui’s Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery has taken top honour at the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards held recently in Auckland.

The gallery won the Premier Award and the Excellence in Concrete for the Community category in recognition of extending the structure’s life, preserving architectural integrity, and transforming a nationally significant building into a world-class facility.

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopened in late 2024 after a major redevelopment that strengthened and restored the original 105-year-old heritage-listed structure while adding a striking new wing, Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa.

Judges praised the project’s outstanding use of concrete to deliver a discreet yet highly effective seismic strengthening solution within a sensitive heritage context.

The project team behind the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery transformation comprises Clendon Burns & Park, the Sarjeant Gallery Trust, Warren & Mahoney, McMillan & Lockwood, and Contech.

Through hidden concrete interventions the refurbishment and expansion of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery delivered seismic resilience without compromising heritage value. The result is a restored gallery that honours its past and safeguards its future; an exemplar of how concrete can respectfully modernise historic infrastructure.

The Concrete Construction Awards also celebrated a further eight category winners.

Excellence in Concrete Infrastructure

Te Ara Tupua, Wellington

Te Ara Tupua is a coastal pathway linking Wellington and Lower Hutt. Through innovative use of concrete—including XBlocPlus® armour units, ECOncrete® tidal pools, and reef structures—the project protects infrastructure and enhances marine habitats.

Project Team. Te Ara Tupua Alliance, NZ

Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Downer NZ, HEB Construction, Tonkin + Taylor, Brian Perry Civil and Preco Precast Concrete.

Excellence in Commercial Concrete Manawa Bay Premium Outlet Centre, Auckland Airport

Mānawa Bay is New Zealand’s largest outlet shopping destination, integrating over 36,000 m² of concrete flooring and 2,300 m² of low-carbon architectural precast panels. Designed to reflect the arrival of the first waka, the centre sets a benchmark for sustainable, high-performance commercial construction.

Project Team. Auckland International Airport, Nauhria Precast, Eclipse Architects, TRCB Architects, Day Consultants, Savory Construction, Polished Concrete (PCL), Firth Industries, Stevenson Concrete, Conset Construction and Bespoke Landscape Architects.

Excellence in Architectural Concrete Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua is a luxury wellness facility shaped by Ngāti Whakaue values and geothermal context. Concrete was essential to the design— providing structural durability, aesthetic richness, and material authenticity. Its strength and resilience made it ideal for the site’s long-term needs.

Project Team. RCG Architects, Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings, Firth Industries, WSP NZ, Hawkins Construction, Nauhria Precast, Stevenson Concrete, Natural Habitats, and Boffa Miskell.

The Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua won the Excellence in Architectural Concrete award.

Excellence in Sustainable Concrete for the Planet Shakespeare Bay Log Yard, Marlborough Sounds

Faced with the need for a long-life pavement solution, Port Marlborough adopted New Zealand’s first large-scale use of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) for its 35,000 m² Shakespeare Bay log yard. Delivered by Rolco in collaboration with Firth, the project cut embodied carbon by up to 50% and eliminated construction waste

Project Team. Rolco NZ, Firth Industries, Gill Construction Co and the Port Marlborough NZ.

Excellence in Concrete Remediation and Reuse

Regions 3 & 4 Bridge Strengthening Programme, Waikato & Bay of Plenty

The Region 3 & 4 Bridge Strengthening Programme rehabilitated 14 concrete bridges across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty using Fibre Reinforced Polymer ( FRP) technology. This approach extended service life, reduced embodied carbon, preserved heritage structures, and enabled freight efficiency.

Project Team. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Beca and Contech.

Excellence in Concrete Landscaping

Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre, Hastings

Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre in Hastings transforms a water infrastructure site into an inspiring public space that celebrates environmental stewardship and community learning. Central to the landscape is the expert use of permeable and decorative concrete that emulates the natural journey of water, blending technical precision with cultural storytelling.

Project Team. AMC Contracting, Gemco Construction, Firth Industries and Hastings District Council.

Excellence in Residential Concrete

Iconic 3D Show Home, Hamilton

This Iconic 3D Show Home is New Zealand’s first residential building constructed using 3D-printed concrete. Designed to showcase QOROX’s wall system, the 167 m² home features over 200 m² of off-site printed concrete panels. Completed in just 99 days, it demonstrates a new era in sustainable,

efficient, and visually striking concrete construction for residential settings.

Project Team. Iconic Construction, QOROX, The Architecture People, G.A. Hughes & Associates and Brymer Heights.

Excellence in Concrete Innovation

EcoReef erosion solution, Akitio

The EcoReef® system has delivered an innovative concrete solution to severe erosion challenges along the Ākitio River in the Tararua District. Over 1,100 modular reinforced concrete units were installed to reinstate critical roading infrastructure and provide long-term resilience.

Project Team. Lattey Group, Tararua Alliance, Ecoreef®, Tararua District Council, Bridgeman Concrete and Agmar Tools.

The refurbishment and expansion of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui won the Excellence in Concrete for the Community award. The EcoReef erosion solution project won

Excellence in Concrete Innovation award.

BCITO Sports: Helping athletes build a career in the trades

The trades have always been a strong career option for those with a background in sport. The industry works well for people who are physically fit, personally disciplined, focused, and used to working in a team environment. BCITO Sports builds on this. It’s a customised programme for athletes at all levels that enables them to build a rewarding career in the building and construction trades.

Whether you’re an athlete thinking about your long-term career, a club, school or sports organisation looking to attract and retain talented individuals, or an employer looking for strong performers, the BCITO Sports programme has much to offer.

Career Pathways: One of the most significant challenges athletes face is transitioning into new careers after their high-performance sporting days are over. BCITO Sports provides a structured pathway for athletes to smoothly transition into the trades. This programme recognises the unique skills athletes possess and helps them leverage these skills in a new, rewarding career.

Professional Development: Clubs and associations often struggle to build and retain their numbers. 64% of adults in Sports NZ’s Active NZ survey want to do more activity but say work or family commitments get in the way.

By integrating professional development into their player programmes, clubs can offer more value to their athletes, ensuring they stay engaged and motivated. BCITO Sports offers tools and resources to help sports organisations earn micro-credentials and skills that can help them in their careers, combining their sporting and professional aspirations.

Apprenticeship Opportunities: Connecting school leavers with apprenticeships through their sports clubs and schools is another

key aspect of BCITO Sports. This initiative ensures athletes have a clear and direct path into the trades, providing them with the necessary training and support to succeed.

“According to Sport NZ, at age 15-17, 81% of us do some sort of sports or fitness activity, but this drops away to 73% after our school years. By helping students keep up their sports and club participation with supportive employers after they graduate, we’re not only creating a healthier building and construction industry, we’re supporting a healthier New Zealand,” says Jeremy Benton, programme lead for BCITO Sports.

Trade-Positive Attitudes: Encouraging apprentices to bring valuable skills from sports into their trades is a cornerstone of the BCITO Sports programme. Skills such as teamwork, motivation, personal health knowledge, and a drive for success are highly transferable and beneficial in the trades. Athletes are accustomed to challenging themselves and seeing the tangible results of their efforts, making them well-suited for careers in the trades.

Tanita Garnett is a BCITO Sports ambassador and star Tasman Mako lock who’s just graduated from a joinery apprenticeship, fitting her studies and work around training.

“I love to push myself, and my apprenticeship has been a good balance of learning, being physical and earning money on the job,” she says.

“Both my work and my rugby are quite physical and demanding, but with my employer having played rugby, he understands how much it means. Also, being able to do BCITO night classes on a Wednesday has meant I’ve been able to fit my apprenticeship study around training.”

Benton says the trades suit people who want to see the difference they’re making and who challenge themselves to do better every day.

“As a local rugby player myself, I know sportspeople are motivated by having a tangible goal – winning a match, or hitting your personal best – and in team sports, sharing that camaraderie with others. When you’re working on a construction project, you get both those things,” he says.

“You get the satisfaction of seeing what you’ve created take shape, putting up homes or buildings that you can drive past every

day, while also solving challenges and sharing success with your colleagues. There’s nothing like it.”

Joining the trades is about making the most of what you’re best at. Select from your pick of 16 sought-after building and construction trades that have their own career pathways, from being an apprentice to owning your own business.

BCITO Sports is not just a programme; it’s about having a game plan for the future. It’s about recognising the potential in athletes and providing them with the tools and opportunities to build successful trade careers, while enjoying the sports they love.

To make your next move in the trades, contact BCITO today:

0800 4 BCITO BCITOSPORTS.NZ

Frank Lochore, Hawkes Bay Magpies, BCITO Qualified Carpenter.

Tanita Garnett, Tasman Mako, BCITO Joinery Apprentice.

Aquamax introduces robotic technology

Aquamax has expanded its infrastructure service offering with the addition of an Aquacutter hydro-demolition robot. Aquajet Systems, a Swedish firm, are the world leader in this technology.

Hydrodemolition is a process utilizing ultrahigh pressure (1450 bar or 20,000 pounds per square inch) water blasting to cut away concrete without impact to surrounding structure or damage to steel reinforcing. Engineers specify hydrodemolition particularly when remediating or modifying existing concrete structure. Concrete is stripped away prior to welding in repairs or additions to the existing rebar. The process ensures there is no damage or microcracking of the existing concrete that might weaken the structure or reduce the pull-out performance of the rebar.

Hydrodemolition robots dramatically increase the productivity and safety margins of the hydrodemolition process by taking the operator off the gun. The machine is mounted on a tracked crawler chassis and is electrically powered. The operator controls the machine remotely via a wireless controller.

The machine can handle significantly higher reaction loads arising from the jet lance and therefore much higher fluid flow rates. There is a direct relationship between

Hydrodemolition robots dramatically increase the productivity and safety margins of the hydrodemolition process by taking the operator off the gun.

has a role, tidying up or reaching those hard-to-get places.

The robot is programmed to cut complex shapes with varying parameters depending on the situation. The waterjet lance is also ‘wobbled’ to simulate hand-gunning and reduce the likelihood of ‘shadowing’ –leaving uncut concrete behind rebar. The cutting head is mounted on an articulated arm that allows for blasting on horizontal, vertical and overhead surfaces.

The Aquacutter receives high-pressure water from a large, containerized pump delivering 95 lpm at 20,000 psi. The pump is contained in a purpose-built sound-proof container which can be located up to 150 metres from the robot if required.

Manual gunning can be very tiring and requires operators to take plenty of breaks during the work day. The robot never tires and is just as productive at the end of the day as the beginning of the shift.

Manual blasting can deliver productivity in the range of 0.2 – 0.3 cubic metres of concrete per day. A robot can easily cut one cube per day representing a four to five-fold improvement. Manual blasting still

In addition to hydrodemolition, the robot can also be fitted with a scabbling head with similar productivity benefits. The machine has been used to scabble large areas of sewer prior to re-surfacing. Weighing around a tonne, the robot is easily craned into tanks or onto upper floors of buildings.

the flow rate and productivity. Doubling the flow rate will result in twice as much concrete removal.

Double the ties at double speed

The new range of MAX® TwinTier™ Rebar-Tiers can tie rebar faster and with more power than ever before! These are the sixth generation tools from MAX® Japan and by far the best!

Three new generation MAX® Rebar-Tiers make up the TwinTier™ range. Introduced with 3 new design features to provide the greatest efficiency and highest level of safety for reinforcing ironworkers.

The TwinTier's "dual wire feeding mechanism" increases tying speed by reducing the time needed to twist and feed the wire, consequently reducing the cost, and shortening the time required for construction. The tool’s dual-wire wrap ensures each tie is reinforced for maximum hold.

The TwinTier's “wire pull back mechanism” firmly pulls the tie wire in to adjust the tie to the rebar’s size to maximize the strength of the tie. When forming a tie the tool makes a loop with the wire and then pulls the wire to tightly secure and lock the rebar in place.

The TwinTier's “wire bending mechanism” feeds a precise amount of wire to match the thickness of the rebar being tied and

cut down on the use of unnecessary wire. This bending mechanism consistently feeds, pulls back, twists and releases the perfect sized tie for each application.

The TwinTier's quick load magazine makes changing wire spools a piece of cake, and its frontward position provides improved balance/ergonomics, making flatwork easier.

This generation of the MAX® Rebar-Tiers produce ties that are approximately 50% shorter in height, allowing for thinner concrete pours. Also, the ends of each tie are positioned downward to increase safety. Additionally, wire spools now produce up to 240 ties (when tying D12 x D12 rebar).

• The RB441T Rebar Tier is designed to tie D10 x D10 up to D22 x D22 rebar

• The RB611T Rebar Tier is designed to tie D16 x D16 up to D29 x D32 rebar

• The RB401T-E Standup Rebar Tier is designed to tie D10 x D10 up to D19 x D19 rebar.

The TwinTier's quick load magazine makes changing wire spools a piece of cake, and its frontward position provides improved balance/ergonomics, making flatwork easier.

A low “battery power consumption” design allows the tool to produce 5000 ties per charge using a 5.0Ah, 14.4volt Lithium-ion battery, which recharges in just 60 minutes.

The tool’s 6-step torque adjustment dial allows its user to adjust the strength of the tie based on the application. Steel, electrogalvanized and polyester (“poly”) coated wire are all available for use with the MAX® TwinTier™.

The MAX® TwinTier™ works at double the speed and produces double the number of ties from a single roll of wire than the previous model and far exceeds that of any of its competitors.

Overall, no matter the application, the MAX® TwinTier™ reduces the time it takes to complete a job, saves businesses money by cutting man hours needed for each project and increases the productivity of its workers. For more information visit the SIFCO website - www.sifco.co.nz

Oli Australia supporting New Zealand infrastructure: Trusted vibratory solutions through local expertise

Across New Zealand, where the pace of infrastructure development demands precision, efficiency and reliability, Oli Australia has proudly played a vital role in many key projects. Through our trusted and qualified reseller network, Oli high-frequency vibrators have been instrumental in delivering concrete consolidation solutions that contribute directly to the strength, durability and finish of critical precast concrete components.

From bridges and tunnels to water systems and large-scale building structures, Oli’s high-frequency vibrators, operating within a frequency range of 0–200Hz, are helping ensure consistent and high-quality results on site and in precast yards. This level of performance is critical to achieving the dense, void-free concrete required to meet modern engineering standards.

Engineered for versatility, Oli vibrators are ideal for use on all types of formwork, from conventional panels to the most intricate and detailed moulds. This makes them especially valuable in the manufacture of complex architectural elements and components requiring exceptional surface finishes and dimensional accuracy.

A key driver behind Oli’s success in New Zealand is the close collaboration with our local reseller partners. Their on-the-ground knowledge, technical understanding and responsive support have ensured that our customers receive not only world-class products but also tailored advice and service. This trusted network continues to be central to Oli’s ability to deliver on time, on spec, and in line with the expectations of New Zealand’s construction professionals.

Time-sensitive and technically demanding projects, such as those contributing to

Auckland’s growing transport infrastructure, have relied on Oli vibrators to maintain consistency in concrete placement and compaction. Our equipment is valued not only for its robust performance but also for its ease of integration with existing precast operations. Whether selecting the optimal vibrator for a specific application or designing a customised control drive system, Oli and our resellers provide end-to-end support that aligns with each project’s unique demands. What sets Oli apart is not just the quality of our equipment, but our commitment to reliability at every stage, from supply chain efficiency to technical back-up. Even under tight timelines, our coordinated delivery of vibrators and drive systems across New Zealand has helped keep construction schedules on track.

As infrastructure investment continues across the country, Oli Australia’s contribution, through our established New Zealand reseller network, remains focused on delivering durable, high-performance vibratory solutions for concrete consolidation. The result: stronger, more resilient infrastructure that reflects the combined strength of worldleading products and local expertise.

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The steel advantage

Steel construction has become a fundamental aspect of modern architecture and infrastructure, providing a combination of strength, versatility, and sustainability that makes it the material of choice for many building projects. As a highly adaptable and durable material, it continues to revolutionise the construction industry, offering numerous benefits that make it a preferred option for architects, engineers, and developers alike.

Unlike other materials, steel maintains its structural integrity under extreme conditions, providing greater safety and security for those within the structures. Additionally, its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements ensure that steel buildings continue to perform well for many years, making it a sound investment in both residential and commercial applications.

The speed at which steel structures can be constructed is another reason why it stands out in the construction industry. With advancements in prefabrication technology, many steel components are manufactured off-site, ready to be assembled on-site quickly and efficiently. This process not only reduces construction timelines but also minimises disruptions, especially in urban environments where time and space are limited. Projects that would typically take months to complete using traditional construction methods can often be finished in a fraction of the time with steel.

In addition, steel offers an impressive level of design flexibility. The material’s versatility

allows architects to push the boundaries of what is possible in building design. Whether it’s creating expansive open floor plans, designing intricate facades, or incorporating large spans without the need for additional columns, steel allows for greater creative freedom. This design flexibility has made steel a popular choice for high-rise buildings, bridges, and even some residential projects, where aesthetic appeal and functionality are both important considerations.

Steel is also a highly sustainable material. It is 100% recyclable, with no loss of quality, making it a key component in the movement towards more environmentally friendly construction. The New Zealand steel construction industry is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact, with notable efforts to decrease carbon emissions. Since 1990, emissions in the industry have decreased by 47%, reflecting a significant commitment to improving sustainability.

Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the steel industry within the country.

Steel is also a highly sustainable material. It is 100% recyclable, with no loss of quality, making it a key component in the movement towards more environmentally friendly construction.

Representing over 500 companies across the supply chain, SCNZ works to ensure the continued growth and success of the steel construction sector. The organisation advocates for the benefits of steel, supports

industry innovation, and ensures that high-quality steel solutions are delivered to projects nationwide. With the continued growth of the New Zealand structural steel industry, capacity has increased from 120,000 to 150,000 tonnes in just five years.

Steel construction offers a wide range of benefits that continue to shape the way we build. From its unparalleled strength to its design flexibility and sustainability, steel is a material that is both practical and forward-thinking. With organisations like SCNZ leading the charge, the steel construction industry in New Zealand is poised for even greater growth and success in the years to come.

Raising the standard: Inside the SCNZ Bolt Importer Charter

When it comes to structural steel construction, every component counts, especially the small yet critical elements, such as bolts and fasteners. That’s why Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) introduced the Bolt Importer Charter in 2020, a quality assurance initiative designed to ensure that all imported structural fasteners meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and traceability.

The Charter was developed to complement SCNZ’s earlier industry initiatives, such as the Steel Fabrication Certification (2014) and the Structural Steel Distributor Charter (2019). Together, these programmes aim to lift the bar for New Zealand’s structural steel industry and provide confidence to engineers, builders, and clients alike.

Focusing on high-strength bolts and assemblies commonly used in steel construction, the Charter covers fasteners made to standards such as AS/NZS 1252, DIN 976-1, and EN 14399-3 HR. These include property class 8.8 and 10.9 bolts and nuts, products that play a vital role in the integrity of steel structures, particularly in seismic regions like New Zealand.

To achieve SCNZ Bolt Importer Charter status, companies must demonstrate comprehensive quality assurance systems and robust due diligence processes. This includes operating a quality management system (QMS) that has been independently certified by a recognised body such as HERA Certification or a JAS-ANZ-accredited organisation.

Importers must also verify the reliability of their suppliers through audits and product testing, with third-party verification conducted on each shipment. Full traceability—from documentation to the physical bolts themselves—is essential, ensuring that each product can be tracked and its compliance verified.

In practice, this means a higher level of accountability across the supply chain. Charter members must retain full oversight, even when dealing with intermediaries or third parties, and ensure that all procedures align with the expectations of AS/NZS 5131, the standard for structural steel fabrication and erection in New Zealand.

Leading fastener importers such as Steel & Tube, Würth New Zealand, Konnect Fastening Systems, Milsons Ltd, and H J Asmuss & Co have already committed to the Charter. Their participation not only signals a dedication to quality but also boosts industry-wide trust in structural safety. While bolts may represent a small fraction of a project’s cost, the consequences of failure can be catastrophic. By ensuring rigorous procurement and quality control standards, the Bolt Importer Charter safeguards New Zealand’s built environment, one bolt at a time.

In an industry where performance and reliability are non-negotiable, SCNZ’s Bolt

While bolts may represent a small fraction of a project’s cost, the consequences of failure can be catastrophic. By ensuring rigorous procurement and quality control standards, the Bolt Importer Charter safeguards New Zealand’s built environment, one bolt at a time.

Importer Charter serves as a benchmark for best practice, providing stakeholders across the construction supply chain with peace of mind and a shared commitment to excellence.

Steel and the elements: Raising the bar on corrosion protection in New Zealand

New industry-backed guidance from HERA delivers smarter solutions for steel durability

Steel is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s built environment — from high-rise developments and long-span bridges to industrial sheds and transport infrastructure. However, while its strength and versatility are undeniable, steel faces a persistent challenge: corrosion. In the harsh marine and geothermal conditions across Aotearoa, even the toughest materials need robust protection strategies to ensure longevity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

That’s where the HERA R4-133: New Zealand Steelwork Corrosion and Protection Guide comes in — an industry-focused, up-to-date resource designed to aid improvement in how we design, specify, and maintain steel structures in our unique environment.

Recently revised and released by HERA (the Heavy Engineering Research Association), the guide represents a major step forward in helping builders, contractors, engineers, and asset owners better manage corrosion risks — while aligning with the latest standards and performance expectations.

Built by experts, shaped by industry

The updated guide is the result of close collaboration between technical experts and industry professionals. Co-authored by WSP’s Raed El-Sarraf, Willie Mandeno, and Hanieh Ghominejad, alongside HERA’s Dr. Kaveh Andisheh, it underwent a rigorous review process, including a national public consultation earlier this year.

The consultation brought in feedback from fabricators, structural engineers, coating specialists, and contractors — helping ensure the final product is grounded in real-world needs and challenges.

“We didn’t want this to be a static document,” says Dr. Andisheh. “It’s a living reflection of best practice, backed by research but informed by the people building with steel every day.”

What’s new in the 2025 edition?

Several enhancements make the new R4133 particularly relevant to the modern construction landscape:

1. Alignment with current standards: The guide is aligned with SNZ TS 3404 and other national standards, giving interpretations of durability requirements. This ensures consistency across specifications and helps remove ambiguity during tendering and delivery.

2. Updated coating systems and maintenance guidance: With fresh benchmarks for protective coatings and maintenance regimes, the guide

offers life-cycle recommendations tailored to New Zealand’s diverse exposure zones. It encourages smarter asset management planning — reducing long-term costs by getting the protection right from the start.

3. Fire performance considerations:

A significant addition is the new section on how galvanised systems behave in fire. As the industry moves toward integrated safety thinking, understanding how corrosion protection and fire resistance interact is becoming increasingly important.

4. Forward-looking recommendations:

The guide also proposes updates to SNZ TS 3404, including improvements in exposure zone classification, emerging coating technologies, and performance-based durability assessments. These aren’t just suggestions — they’re designed to spark industry-wide conversations about the future of steel protection in Aotearoa.

Whyit matters for builders and contractors

For those working on-site, the implications are clear. Better corrosion guidance can mean:

• Enhancing best practice in durability design

• Enabling life cycle thinking in design and maintenance planning

• Providing the basis for reducing embodied carbon through reuse and long-life systems

• Guiding future revisions of durability provisions in SNZ TS 3404

• Whether you’re tendering for a coastal development or maintaining a longstanding warehouse, understanding how to apply R4-133 can be a strategic advantage.

Looking ahead

The updated guide isn’t just another technical manual — it’s part of a broader effort to raise the bar for steel construction in New Zealand. By bringing together research, regulation, and practice, HERA R4-133 supports the industry with tools to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable steel structures.

For builders and contractors, that means better guidance at the design table, fewer headaches on-site, and structures that stand the test of time — and the elements.

NSB specifiers, applicators and corrosion technicians know how to put the right coating system in place – to last. Whether you are operating single or multiple sites, our main aim is to help you optimise the life of your infrastructure.

Eastown Timber is your destination for exceptional timber processing in New Zealand

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

Coating – Prime, Topcoat, Staining, Charring

Packaging for transport/export

Defecting and cut to length

Treating CCA H3.2, H4, H5

Treating LOSP H3.1

Re-sawing

Timber grading

Lamination

Custom production

Steam drying

Kiln drying

Keeping standards high

Brief history

In 1966 the Corrugated Steel Manufacturers Association was formed. They eventually joined with the Profile Cladding Manufacturers Association and the New Zealand Spouting and Downpipes Association to form the New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association.

The association represents manufacturers of metal products used in the construction sector, this includes roll forming, pressing and folding.

Technical publications have included the Profiled Metal Roofing Design and Installation Handbook. This was superseded in 2003 by the First Edition of the Code of Practice.

Activities

As an active trade group we are involved on an on-going basis in a wide range of activities. A snapshot of some of the core activities are shown and explained below:

• Code of practice: The NZMRM has developed a Code of Practice that is in its 3rd Version. The Code of Practice is free for download from the NZMRM website. The Code of Practice is regularly updated. To receive notification of changes, subscribe on the website.

• The NZMRM has developed a test rig for members to test products for some physical characteristics prior to release. We only test wind uplift and point load. The test rig is located in Huntly.

• MBIE: we meet regularly with MBIE to cover matters relating to the application of our products to buildings. We also provide input into regulatory changes that occur (e.g. External Moisture, E2/AS1).

• Product performance: We have a corrosion site for testing products in very severe environments.

• BOINZ: we have a strong relationship with the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand. We keep them advised on technical developments and we make presentations at their annual conference. Our objective is to give their members a better understanding of the use and application of our Code of Practice.

• BRANZ: we work with research groups such as BRANZ to ensure that the building research community gets plenty of practical industry input and opinion.

• Standards: NZMRM is active, in conjunction with Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia, in ensuring all building standards for our industry are developed and maintained correctly. Where appropriate we have members on the relevant committees.

• Scope Magazine: A regular publication with case studies of metal roofing and cladding. Subscription details are available on the NZMRM website.

• NZMRM members manufacture a range of roll formed and folded metal roofing and cladding products. This also includes pressed metal tiles. The members offer an extensive range of products, from traditional corrugate, deep commercial profiles to tray systems.

• Metal products offered include metallic zinc and zinc alloy coated steel, copper, aluminium and factory painted products.

• RANZ: We support the Roofing Association, providing input to training material covering metal roofing.

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The pressing need for clearer pathways to apprenticeships

By Ben Kennedy

New Zealand’s apprenticeship system is falling short in providing clear pathways for young people entering the workforce. Only 6% of school leavers pursue apprenticeships, while nearly twice as many—11% of 16- to 19-year-olds—are not engaged in employment, education, or training. A new report from The New Zealand Initiative, Trade Routes: Charting New Pathways from Secondary School to Industry Training, highlights systemic weaknesses and calls for urgent reforms.

The report reveals that vocational education in New Zealand is fragmented, with no structured pathway equivalent to university preparation. “Schools are primarily geared toward university-track education, even though only about one-third of school leavers enrol in degree programmes,” says Dr. Michael Johnston, the report’s author. He argues that New Zealand’s system fails to integrate apprenticeships into mainstream education, leaving many young people without a clear direction.

Johnston points to Germany’s ‘dual training’ apprenticeship system, which, in contrast, sees nearly half of all school leavers enter workplace-based training. Approximately 93% of those trainees graduate, and three-quarters are immediately employed by the companies where they trained. Ultimately, New Zealand’s weak apprenticeship uptake, combined with a high number of young people disengaged from education and work, is indicative of a significant waste of human potential.

The cultural and structural barriers

One of the biggest challenges to apprenticeship growth in New Zealand is a deep-seated cultural bias toward university education. University degrees are widely regarded as the superior pathway, a perception reinforced by parents, teachers, and schools. The secondary school curriculum is designed primarily to prepare students for university, offering little structured support for those interested in vocational training.

Johnston argues that this bias is further embedded by the qualifications system. “The University Entrance qualification illuminates the way to university, but there is no qualification to do the same for trades,” he notes. The report suggests that an equivalent qualification, such as a Certificate of Trades Preparation, could help place vocational training on equal footing with university education.

Another challenge is the lack of coordination between secondary education and industry training. While initiatives such as Trades Academies and the Gateway program provide opportunities for students to gain industry experience, they function as fragmented “addons” rather than forming a cohesive pathway. The Trade Routes report suggests that these initiatives should be unified under a single, structured vocational education pathway.

Fixing the system

The Trade Routes report outlines several key reforms that could improve apprenticeship pathways in New Zealand. Among them is a recommendation to restructure Workforce Development Councils, which currently oversee standard-setting for industry training. The report suggests that Workforce Development Councils should be reconstituted with members elected by industry bodies rather than appointed by government ministers. This would increase their accountability and ensure that vocational education aligns with employer needs.

Another recommendation is to establish cooperative arrangements between secondary schools, allowing them to specialise in different educational pathways. This would mean that some schools could focus on university preparation while others develop strong vocational training programs.

Johnston believes this approach could help normalise apprenticeships as a mainstream option rather than a fallback for students who struggle academically.

BusinessNZ has also voiced support for greater investment in apprenticeship training. Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly has praised the government’s efforts to boost funding and incentives for apprenticeships. However, he warns that “higher educational content will need to complement – not replace – practical elements of the training.” Employers, he argues, need a system that produces well-prepared apprentices with hands-on experience.

Policy changes target apprenticeship completion

The Government has introduced two major policy changes for 2025 that could impact apprenticeship retention and completion rates.

First, changes to the Fees Free program will shift funding from the first year of study to the final year of training. Under the new system, apprentices who have not previously used Fees Free funding may have their last year of study covered, with fees reimbursed up to $12,000 upon completion. This adjustment is aimed at reducing dropout rates and ensuring more apprentices reach their qualifications.

Second, the Apprenticeship Boost program will be refocused on first-year apprentices in high-demand sectors. From January 2025,

A stronger apprenticeship system would also improve industry engagement in education. Employers directly involved in training programs can ensure that graduates possess the skills needed in the workforce. This reduces the mismatch between education and industry needs, leading to better employment outcomes.

employer subsidies will only be available for apprentices in industries deemed crucial to New Zealand’s economic growth, including construction, engineering, agriculture, and food production. While some see this targeted funding as a positive step, critics warn that it could leave other industries struggling to attract apprentices.

Could New Zealand adopt the German model?

Germany’s dual training apprenticeship system is frequently cited as a model of success, with half of all school leavers entering workplacebased training. The program combines structured classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training, ensuring that apprentices develop industry-specific skills while gaining practical experience.

Johnston acknowledges that fully replicating Germany’s system in New Zealand is neither politically nor culturally realistic. However, he believes key elements—such as closer industry-school collaboration, a clear apprenticeship qualification, and stronger financial support—could be successfully adapted to the New Zealand context.

One potential model for reform comes from Australia’s ‘Busy Schools’ initiative, which helps students transition into the workforce. Busy Schools provides work-readiness education, part-time internships, and structured pathways into apprenticeships.

Johnston suggests that a similar approach in New Zealand, possibly through the 2025 charter school initiative, could provide clearer routes into vocational training.

Economic and social benefits

Expanding and strengthening apprenticeships would not only benefit young people but also address pressing economic challenges. New Zealand faces ongoing skills shortages in key industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. A more robust apprenticeship system would help fill these gaps while reducing youth unemployment.

Furthermore, apprenticeships offer young people a financially viable alternative to university study. Unlike university students, who often accumulate significant debt, apprentices can earn while they learn, gaining work experience without taking on student loans. This makes apprenticeships particularly attractive for hands-on learners and those who struggle in traditional academic settings.

A stronger apprenticeship system would also improve industry engagement in education. Employers directly involved in training programs can ensure that graduates possess the skills needed in the workforce. This reduces the mismatch between education and industry needs, leading to better employment outcomes.

The path forward

Addressing New Zealand’s apprenticeship gap will require coordinated action from government, schools, and industry leaders. Education policy must shift to place apprenticeships on an equal footing with university education. Schools must promote vocational pathways as a respected and viable option for students. Employers must be given incentives to take on apprentices and invest in training programs.

Johnston believes that systemic reform is necessary to change the perception of apprenticeships. “If clearer pathways from school to industry training were established as a serious option for all students, esteem for industry training would gradually improve,” he argues.

With recent policy changes and growing pressure for reform, the opportunity to reshape New Zealand’s apprenticeship system is now.

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leeana@quinovic-newplymouth.co.nz

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Building trust in the possibilities of timber Timber Unlimited

Timber Unlimited, an industryneutral, non-commercial, nonprofit, was founded in early 2022 to encourage and facilitate the use of timber in the design and construction of building and infrastructure projects.

Daniel Scheibmair, Chair of Timber Unlimited, says despite its relatively short tenure, it has achieved great outcomes that built on work from previous similar initiatives. Timber Unlimited benefits from strong collaboration with, and has continued support from, its founding members: the New Zealand Timber Design Society, BRANZ, SCION, and WPMA. Most importantly, outcomes from Timber Unlimited’s projects are readily accessible to anyone on its website www.timberunlimited.co.nz.

Over the recent months, Timber Unlimited has found a new home in the New Zealand Timber Design Society (TDS), one of its founding members. TDS is proud to have been able to reach these arrangements, ensuring that the momentum since Timber

Unlimited’s conception is enduring. TDS’ focus is generally specific to engineers and the technical aspects of fostering the advancement and dissemination of knowledge relating to the design of timber structures and elements. So, supporting Timber Unlimited with its much broader drive to promote the use of wood in construction and giving longevity to Timber Unlimited’s success to date is a great outcome for TDS.

Timber Unlimited’s website is New Zealand’s go-to timber resource, providing timber design information, inspiration, and knowledge to empower industry professionals to design and build better. Similarly, collaboration with CLT Toolbox – a software design aid – and providing free access to the software for NZ designers, supports more efficient implementation of what are becoming more complex design methods and Standards.

Daniel says it’s about unlocking timber’s potential and building trust in its possibilities, utilising its various material shapes and forms in buildings beyond residential construction, which we so synonymously associate wood

Whoever you are across the timber and construction value chain and wherever you are on your timber learning journey, Timber Unlimited aspires to inspire you with the endless possibilities of timber in the built environment.

with. For a long time, designers have been able to draw on the specific unique strengths that different Engineered Wood Products (EWP), such as glue-laminated timber (glulam), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), provide over traditional sawn and strength-graded timber. Similarly, he says, technological advances and innovation in products to connect timber members have come a long way and are creating new opportunities. Timber, like any construction material, has strengths and weaknesses. Designers and builders know timber for its natural, tactile and sustainable credibility, but they must also, for example, carefully consider moisture management and give consideration to fire and acoustics. Timber Unlimited’s website helps the industry unlock the potential of timber and its benefits, and how to avoid pitfalls associated with aspects that require careful consideration. Timber Unlimited is providing an innovative and inspiring resource to minimise the time and cost of gaining the capability, competence and confidence to find new ways of building with timber by covering its strengths and aspects that require more careful thought.

The ultimate aspiration for Timber Unlimited is to champion the reasons and benefits of using timber by educating and providing guidance to upskill and build capacity. At the same time, information addresses barriers and helps solve potential problems so these don’t arise during design or construction. And it showcases inspiring innovation and demonstrates just what can be done with timber.

Through other initiatives, Timber Unlimited continues to facilitate collaboration and connections, helping to share and grow knowledge, skills, and techniques across the industry. This effort builds a thriving community of timber enthusiasts that brings like-minded individuals together for the greater good.

Whoever you are across the timber and construction value chain and wherever you are on your timber learning journey, Timber Unlimited aspires to inspire you with the endless possibilities of timber in the built environment.

Daniel notes that Timber Unlimited’s initiatives will forge a future where building asset owners and property developers commission more timber buildings, and the public will further appreciate and value the benefits of timber structures – a future where design professionals specify timber in building designs as routine, and builders and contractors have the skills and knowledge to construct high-quality timber buildings. This has benefits for building occupiers and owners, and also for New Zealand as a whole. The initiatives will help New Zealand shift to a culture of using timber in all buildings, which will provide long-term demand for wood products and support greater investment in domestic wood processing of New Zealand-harvested logs. It will assist New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy and enable asset owners to develop lower-emission, higher-value buildings, using a renewable resource that sequesters carbon dioxide from a sustainable, viable, and locally supplied wood resource and processing.

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Glulam beams shape Porirua’s vibrant Kai Tahi waterfront community hub

Porirua’s waterfront is continuing its dynamic development with the recent opening of Kai Tahi, a new community hub fostering food, culture and connection. Located behind Abandoned Brewery’s taproom on Parumoana St, this new dining and retail area introduces a lively environment for locals, revolving around a striking arcade structure crafted with structural glulaminated timber supplied by Techlam.

The vision for Kai Tahi, driven by The Woolstore Group Ltd, aimed to establish a tangible link between Porirua’s town centre and the nearby harbour. This ambition has been achieved through the creation of a new arcade, where an intricate glulam structure takes centre stage. “The glulam structure is the key architectural feature of the new arcade, which consists of a complex glulam form that acts like a timber amphibian walking up from the sea towards the town centre,” explained Sam Curtis from MacKayCurtis Architects, in collaboration with CMA+U on the project.

Choosing glulam timber for the arcade was a strategic decision based on both technical and aesthetic benefits. “The design team selected glulam timber for multiple reasons: structural strength of glulam, pre-fabrication tolerances and off-site fabrication quality control,” continued Curtis.

The engineered nature of glulam provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the design of expansive, unsupported spans and

intricate geometrical forms like the Kai Tahi arcade’s curves. Thanks to the lamination process, it’s far more dimensionally stable than solid timber – critical for ensuring long-term structural integrity as well as visual consistency.

Prefabrication of the glulam beams by Techlam at their Levin site was pivotal for the project’s success. “Due to the complex nature of the glulam joints, off-site prefabrication with specialised fabricators like Techlam was the only option for a fast and efficient construction and delivery programme, along with quality control,” stated Curtis.

The sophisticated 3D dimensional nature of the arcade structure required complex joints with well-defined tolerances, aesthetics and finish. The natural beauty and warmth of timber contribute significantly to this ambiance, while the selection of glulam aligns with sustainability considerations, offering a lower carbon footprint alternative to materials like steel.

The precision achievable through Techlam’s prefabrication process, utilising digital modelling and CNC processing, ensured accurate dimensions and facilitated smoother on-site assembly. “Techlam’s expertise in creating complex timber joints with tight tolerances was key to the success of the arcade structure. 3D BIM co-ordination with Techlam ensured construction was efficient

due to all joint complexity being resolved before fabrication,” Curtis noted.

“Kai Tahi is a gift to the community and a step towards transforming Porirua’s waterfront,” concluded Curtis. The elegant strength and natural appeal of the glulam structure will undoubtedly contribute to the lasting impact of this significant development for the local community.

MANUFACTURING

Photo Credit: Chris Burr

Chris Burr (courtesy of MacKayCurtis Architects)

From renovations to new builds

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• Recladding

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Construction cost inflation hits record low

Abdul Hannan of MacroMonitor

The building and construction industry in New Zealand has experienced a marked slowdown in cost inflation, signalling a significant shift from the heightened levels of recent years. Cost inflation has slowed dramatically due to reduced pressures in the sector, improved supply conditions, and falling commodity prices, according to a new report from industry research company Macromonitor.

The new report, New Zealand Construction Cost Trends, provides detailed cost escalation projections for all categories of construction inputs in New Zealand. Construction cost inflation, which reached a peak of 14% in 2021/22, has significantly slowed to just 0.44% in the year to December 2024. This is the lowest annual inflation rate since June 2020, when it stood at just 0.40%.

“While declines in some costs are evident, a full reversal to pre-2021/22 price levels is unlikely. Instead, construction costs are expected to stabilise and grow at more normal rates, but from the current elevated base,” according to the report’s author, Macromonitor Economist Abdul Hannan.

The report highlights that falling prices for key materials, such as steel and oil, have been pivotal in easing overall construction input costs. Improvements in global and local supply chains have also contributed to reducing inflationary pressures, as logistical disruptions that once strained the industry have steadily diminished.

“Additionally, a decline in construction activity, particularly in the residential sector, has further alleviated demand-driven cost increases,” says Mr. Hannan.

“The labour market has also softened, with slower wage growth and reduced labour demand contributing to the easing of inflation. This reflects broader trends in the domestic economy, where tighter

monetary policies and weaker demand conditions have created a more balanced cost environment,” adds Mr. Hannan.

The report also notes persistent challenges in some areas. Construction equipment costs have continued to rise sharply, creating ongoing upward pressure on costs.

“While some cost pressures persist, we anticipate that overall inflation will stabilise gradually and grow at more sustainable rates,” says Hannan. “However, global factors such as U.S. tariff policies could impact import prices, posing a risk to future cost trends.”

Macromonitor forecasts a 3.5% rise in total construction costs in 2025 and 2.2% in 2026, aligning with a gradual return to long-term growth trends.

Data from this chart is available upon request. Please contact Abdul Hannan at 02 9869 8844 or abdulhannan@macromonitor.com.au.

For more information about this report visit: https://macromonitor.com.au/new-zealandconstruction-cost-trends/

Macromonitor is an Australian industry research and forecasting company with a commitment to providing high quality information to industry. We have a team of consultants with extensive experience in research and forecasting for the construction and related industries. Macromonitor provides information that is tailored to the planning and management needs of business. We provide multi-client subscription reports, commissioned reports and presentations.

The labour market has also softened, with slower wage growth and reduced labour demand contributing to the easing of inflation. This reflects broader trends in the domestic economy, where tighter monetary policies and weaker demand conditions have created a more balanced cost environment.

- Abdul Hannan

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Mangonui Haulage are certified suppliers of ready mix concrete up to 50 mpa standard, in an assortment of aggregates and concrete colour options.

Supporting New Zealand projects one fastener at a time

Need a nut, bolt, or screw that’s not on the shelves at your local hardware store?

The Bolt Shop’s probably got it, and if they don’t, they’ll do their best to track it down.

Born and bred in Auckland, this family-run business has been keeping projects moving since 2000. What started in Glenfield has grown to include a second store in Wiri, and they’ve built a solid reputation as the people who know their fasteners inside and out.

The original setup still stands at 191B Archers Road, Glenfield, often the first stop, thanks to staff members like Sandra, Geoff, John, Louise, Ben, and Sarah, a team known for their combined expertise and energetic customer interactions. Meanwhile, over in Wiri, customers are greeted by Malcolm and Jared, who started down in Glenfield and eventually took charge of operations in the South Auckland branch. That continuity offers comforting consistency, but now with better coverage across Auckland.

Together, they’re driven by a philosophy of combining “good old-fashioned, friendly service” with high technical know-how. Whether someone is building a trailer, restoring a vintage hot rod, or engineering a marine-grade project, the Bolt Shop’s team is ready for the challenge.

From the start, The Bolt Shop’s mission has been to stock the hard-to-find. At any given time, they hold around 2.7 million items, a staggering inventory that sets them apart from regular hardware chains. That in-stock promise makes short work of projects where downtime equals frustration or lost revenue. When something isn’t on the shelf, they go the extra mile. Orders are dispatched the same day, when possible; otherwise, next-day delivery is standard. And for anyone who’d rather get advice than browse catalogues, they’ve published a Definitive Technical Guide to Fastenings — a free resource diving into materials, strength grades, coatings, and torque values. Their ethos is straightforward: expert advice combined with expert hardware equals happier customers.

The Bolt Shop doesn’t just sell bolts; they’re trusted partners in sectors ranging from aerospace and marine to high-performance racing. What’s more, they take pride in showcasing real-world applications. For instance:

• Russell’s Volopini “Russolini” project — a Lotus-inspired rebuild of a Toyota MX5 chassis — reportedly used so many bolts from the shop that there were enough left over to build another car.

• Matt’s garden frames relied on the shop to recommend the right fixings that would endure decades in outdoor conditions.

• The Tauhara College Evolocity Team, a youth electric-bike competition, sourced a range of fastenings from the shop to support their students’ builds. Their clients range from passionate DIYers and innovative project teams to major contractors working on large-scale builds. Across the board, customers consistently praise The Bolt Shop for its technical

know-how, dependable service, and fast, accurate delivery, all backed by a team that genuinely knows their stuff.

Community involvement and sponsorships

The Bolt Shop doesn’t just sit on the sidelines. They sponsor the University of Auckland’s Formula SAE team (Project F:SAE:47), investing in future engineers and motorsport innovators. They also support the NZ Police Managers Guild Trust as Child Safety Advocates, a cause that speaks to their commitment to local communities beyond just business.

Visiting either location feels like stepping into a specialist’s workshop, not just another store. The Glenfield team, led by Geoff and John, handles complex enquiries daily, while Louise and the field reps ensure calls and orders are expertly managed.

At Wiri, Malcolm and Jared bring both technical skill and customer-first service to their guests.

The Bolt Shop is so much more than a hardware counter. It’s a family-run specialist business anchored in Auckland that prides itself on blending oldschool service with technical excellence.

With a nationwide courier reach, they support all sorts of projects, from Whangārei to Invercargill, without missing a beat. For industries where project failure can hinge on a bolt’s tensile strength, that reassurance matters.

The Bolt Shop is so much more than a hardware counter. It’s a family-run specialist business anchored in Auckland that prides itself on blending old-school service with technical excellence. Whether a customer drops in to grab a handful of screws or calls in for expert advice on aerospace-grade fasteners, The Bolt Shop treats every customer with the same dedication and expertise. Their story has only grown stronger across two locations, numerous projects, and partnerships that span youth competitions to public safety initiatives. It’s that trust, range, knowledge, and genuine willingness to help that keeps customers coming back. In a world of big-box retailers, The Bolt Shop offers something distinctly Kiwi: expert care, loads of stock, and a smile.

YOUR ONE-STOP SOLUTION FOR FASTENERS AND ENGINEERING

The Bolt Shop was established in 2000 under the direction of Director Geoff Smith with a wealth of fastening and technical experience. The team is prepared to support you with your project requirements and take on challenging issues.

The University of Auckland Formula SAE Team and its F:SAE:47 Projects are proudly sponsored by The Bolt Shop Team.

As Child Safety Advocates, we also support the New Zealand Police Managers Guild Trust.

Our Products:

• Mild Steel Bolts

• High Tensile Bolts

• Tapping Screws

• Rivets

• Nuts

• Machine Screws

• Threaded Rod

• Socket Head

• Drills

• Hardware

• Stainless Steel Bolts

• Washers

• Wood Screws

• Masonry

• Taps & Dies

• Consumables

• Tools

Glenfield

191B Archers Road, Glenfield, North Shore City

Phone: 09 441-9425

Mon-Fri: Open 7:30am to 5:00pm | Sat: Open 8:30am to 12:00pm gfsales@boltshop.co.nz

Wiri

23 Ash Road, Wiri, Auckland City

Phone: 09 262-2944

Mon-Fri: Open 8:00am to 5:00pm wirisales@boltshop.co.nz

Road cone hotline tackles red tape

By Ben Kennedy

It’s a scene many Kiwis know too well—an empty road flanked by endless rows of bright orange cones, seemingly without purpose or workers in sight. That frustration, once shared in private grumbles and online memes, now has an official outlet: a governmentbacked hotline for reporting excessive road cone use.

Unveiled at a post-Cabinet press conference this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the initiative as part of a wider overhaul of New Zealand’s health and safety regulations. Dubbed a “real issue” by Luxon, the sea of road cones has become symbolic of what the government sees as overregulation and bureaucratic inefficiency.

“You can drive around this country at different times of the day, and you’ve got whole roads shut down, no one is doing any work, and the cones are frankly just clogging up the joint,” Luxon said yesterday. “It’s just symptomatic, frankly, of a country that is not getting things built.”

The new hotline will allow the public to report what officials are calling “overzealous” or unnecessary deployments of road cones. While the exact operational details are still being finalised, van Velden confirmed that WorkSafe will be tasked with managing the complaints and providing guidance when instances of overcompliance are identified.

“Having WorkSafe focus on this will be a culture shift for the agency, but it signifies the broader direction this Government is taking with the health and safety system,” van Velden said. She added that the overuse of cones was brought up at nearly every public meeting during her recent travels across the country.

Luxon and van Velden were joined in the initiative by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, who will oversee the role of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) in the cone review effort.

The bigger picture

While the cone hotline has captured public attention, it is just one component of a broader regulatory reset. Cabinet has approved changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act that will narrow its focus to serious risks—those that could cause death, serious injury, or illness—particularly for low-risk, small businesses.

“For example, a small clothing shop would still need to provide first aid, emergency plans, and basic facilities—such as suitable lighting—but wouldn’t need to have a psychosocial harm policy in place,” van Velden said.

According to the government, these changes are meant to reduce “tick-box” compliance and eliminate redundant paperwork that confuses employers and employees alike. Luxon argued that such well-intentioned rules had often spiralled into impractical expectations.

“We’ve got signs that are actually there to warn you about hot water taps, we’ve got signs to say please hold on to the handrail ... that is where we have jumped the shark and it’s gone mad,” Luxon said.

The reforms are expected to be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year, with changes coming into effect in early 2026 if passed.

The public reacts

While the government frames the reforms as common-sense deregulation, reactions from stakeholders have been mixed. The Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young welcomed the changes, saying they would remove a “huge burden” from the country’s 27,000 small retailers.

However, safety experts were less impressed. Mike Cosman, chair of the Institute of Safety Management, criticised the reforms for failing to address New Zealand’s high rate of workplace fatalities—between 50 and 70 deaths annually, more than four times the rate in the UK.

You can drive around this country at different times of the day, and you’ve got whole roads shut down, no one is doing any work, and the cones are frankly just clogging up the joint.

- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

“The reforms are focused instead on costs to businesses of prevention and not the much greater costs of harm,” Cosman said. “This seems to be looking through the wrong end of the telescope to us.”

He also criticised the government for ignoring recommendations from experts, unions, and high-risk industries provided last October.

While the hotline may strike some as trivial, the government insists it’s about more than just traffic cones. Van Velden said it represents a cultural shift in how regulation is approached, shifting focus to high-impact risks and away from bureaucratic formalities.

“There is a sentiment that road workers are annoying,” she said, before Luxon interjected, clarifying, “Road cones are annoying.”

In that spirit, the hotline might be the beginning of a broader public reckoning with how New Zealand manages both risk and responsibility.

Solar Energy – not just an alternative energy source but a sound investment in your future

With grid supplied electricity rates increasing across all areas of the country, generating your own electricity has become a sound investment. This has been made even easier to achieve with some of the major banks offering a 5 year interest free loan.

How does solar energy benefit the residential home owner? Simply put - as soon as your solar energy system is activated it starts generating electricity which is fed directly into your home offsetting your network supply and immediately saving you money. The larger your network energy bill, the faster your return on investment.

More and more home owners are turning to battery supported solar energy solutions to manage their energy supply and offer some resilience to their homes continued

operation. This is especially so in areas that have regular network outages.

These homes are able to ride out the local network outage without loss of power due to their Hybrid or ESS Energy system continuing to supply electricity from their solar panels and lithium battery bank. It is hugely important that battery based systems are designed and installed correctly by qualified professionals.

The move to solar generation by farmers is also on the rise. According to Mike Casey of Rewiring Aotearoa it has now become more cost effective to generate your own solar energy versus paying the cost of energy supplied from the grid. If you have sufficient roof space, perhaps a shed rooftop, or an unproductive paddock, the option to invest in a future generating solar energy is now a truly viable consideration. Options to sell back to the local networks during peak demand periods make this an even more promising investment. You can learn more about how successful farming with solar

energy and full electrification can be by checking out www.rewiring.nz

While installing grid connected solar energy has its many benefits, there are many areas in New Zealand where installing a solar energy plant may be a necessity based on location and lack of access to a network connection. These OFF GRID solar energy plants are the perfect solution for farmers requiring power in the remote reaches of their property where all you need is sunshine to generate your own electricity.

In recent years, there have been just as many ‘Lifestylers’ who have opted out of grid connection, choosing to disconnect their properties from the utilities desiring a life of ‘self sustainability’ supported by an off grid solar energy plant.

In either case, ensuring that your Off Grid Solar Plant is robust, reliable and performs to meet your requirements is essential. It’s the only source of electricity you have and getting it right at the outset is hugely important.

Training Workshops designed for Solar Installers

Our Workshops are designed for electricians working in the solar industry and are structured to run through the Best Practice Guidelines for Solar Installation in New Zealand. These informal sessions are delivered to small groups by a Qualified Solar Technician with over a decade of real-life installation experience.

These workshops are designed to support your formal learning with practical guidance and include a practical hands-on component with time for open discussion and questions. If you are new to solar or in need of a refresher in installation practices these sessions are for you.

Off Grid Solar New Zealand specialise in the design and installation of battery supported solar energy systems, both grid connected ESS and Off Grid Solar Energy Plants. Lifestyle and farming solutions are our speciality with over a decade of experience working in this sector.

We understand how critically important a reliable power supply is, so our solar energy systems are tailor-made to not only meet your expectations but exceed them. We offer quality componentry along with a very high standard of installation and workmanship.

With your own custom designed solar energy system, you can be confident that power will continuously flow. The process starts with a phone consultation which is followed up by a comprehensive energy consumption analysis to enable us to understand your requirements.

Don’t hesitate, reach out to us today to discuss your requirements and start the consultation process.

Solar Energy Specialists delivering custom-built battery supported solar energy solutions throughout New Zealand

Advocacy that delivers: Specialist trades secure their voice

At CANZ, we work every day to ensure the voices of our members are heard — in boardrooms, policy discussions, and now, at the very heart of the vocational education system. And today, we’re proud to share a success that shows just how powerful that advocacy can be.

Thanks to sustained efforts — ours and those of our allies — the Government has confirmed that one of the newly formed Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be named the Construction and Specialist Trades ISB. That name change might seem like a small tweak. But make no mistake: this is a huge win for the crane industry, for specialist trades, and for our members.

Why this matters

Historically, training structures in Aotearoa have not always reflected the unique needs of industries like ours. Cranes, rigging, and heavy lifting have long operated as specialist disciplines within the broader construction environment — essential to progress but not always recognised in formal structures or funding models.

That’s why we’ve pushed hard for reform. As part of a broader overhaul of vocational education, the Government has committed to moving away from the centralised Te Pūkenga system in favour of industryled models. From 1 January 2026, eight new Industry Skills Boards will assume responsibility for training standards, programme endorsements, and moderation.

Crucially, one of these boards will now formally include Specialist Trades — explicitly acknowledging the critical contribution of crane operators and other highly skilled, high-risk trades. This wasn’t guaranteed. In fact, we fought to ensure this wording was included.

Why? Because names matter. Representation matters. And when a sector like ours is formally included in the naming and scope of a governance structure, it has a direct impact on how training is shaped, how funding is allocated, and how our workforce is understood and supported.

Advocacy in action

This change didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of collaborative, strategic advocacy — the kind that CANZ prioritises every day on behalf of our members.

Gone are the days when effective lobbying meant marching up the steps of

Gone are the days when effective lobbying meant marching up the steps of Parliament. Today, it’s about building trusted relationships, aligning with like-minded sectors, and advocating through smart, persistent channels. That’s what we’ve done here.

Parliament. Today, it’s about building trusted relationships, aligning with like-minded sectors, and advocating through smart, persistent channels. That’s what we’ve done here.

CANZ worked closely with the Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF), an umbrella body representing a range of industries often overlooked in broad “construction” categories. Their leadership in these reforms has been outstanding — and as a proud STCF member, CANZ added our weight and voice through formal submissions, targeted engagement, and direct dialogue with officials.

Together, we made the case that cranes and heavy lifting are not side notes — they’re integral to New Zealand’s infrastructure, productivity, and safety. The inclusion of Specialist Trades in the ISB title is a powerful confirmation that our message got through.

What this means for you

For our members, this win is more than symbolic — it’s practical.

From 2026, the Construction and Specialist Trades ISB will oversee how training is designed, delivered, and assessed across our sector. That means:

• Standards will better reflect real-world work, rather than academic theory.

• Training providers will be held to account, ensuring they deliver job-ready graduates with skills employers truly need.

• Crane sector expertise will have a seat at the table, shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

And while the transition is still 18 months away, the groundwork is already being laid. CANZ is actively preparing to support this change, ensuring there is no disruption to current apprentices or trainees, and working closely with providers who share our commitment to quality and safety.

A win shared by many

This achievement reflects the strength of working with others — and the importance of never advocating in isolation. The Specialist Trades voice is stronger because it speaks with the weight of many: crane operators, scaffolders, roofers, plumbers, steel manufacturers and more.

By embedding ourselves within the STCF, and by maintaining strong connections with other associations and sector leaders, CANZ has helped amplify our industry’s needs at the highest levels. And it’s paid off.

Looking ahead

Our work isn’t finished. As the ISBs begin to take shape, CANZ will:

• Push for fair representation of the crane sector on the Construction and Specialist Trades ISB.

• Maintain open lines of communication to ensure clear guidance for employers and trainees.

• Continue championing high standards, safe practices, and relevant qualifications across all lifting operations.

But today, we pause to celebrate a step forward. One that proves advocacy — when done right — works. It takes time, effort, and collaboration. And most of all, it takes the support of a strong, united membership.

Thank you to all our members who have shared your insights, supported our submissions, and stood with us in calling for better training and better recognition. This win is yours.

Executive Officer, Sarah Toase

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The risks of pine carbon farms

By Ben O’Connell

Carbon farms are permanently locking up New Zealand landscapes and could land us with more carbon costs, says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. With the aim of sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide through tree growth, pine carbon farms are a common approach to carbon farming.

Typically consisting of fast-growing radiata pine, carbon farms are a quick way to reduce emissions and earn carbon credits. But a new report says that radiata pine is the only economically viable tree for carbon farming. However, it could still leave the Crown with future carbon liabilities if pests, disease, fire or extreme weather events cause damage.

“Climate virtue signalling and perverse carbon incentives threaten to radically change our classic rural landscapes in a widespread and visually jarring fashion,” says climate researcher and Victoria University research fellow Dr Nathanael Melia.

He says that carbon forestry should be avoided, and that this report is savvily timed to align with news that the government plans to hit climate targets with mass carbon forestry, which he calls “a get-out-of-jail-free-card”.

“I foresee that carbon forestry will become what mortgage-backed securities were to the global financial crisis…it will do no real-world good, inflate the carbon credit bubble, make very few very rich, derail climate mitigation, and cause systemic turmoil.”

UC forestry Emeritus Professor David Norton says the report is incredibly timely as we face unprecedented climate change. “The 1.5 degrees atmospheric warming target has been exceeded, and increasingly severe

weather events are becoming the new normal, with massive impacts on both the environment and society.

“While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical if we are to have any hope of a sustainable future, drawing down or sequestering the CO2 that is already in the atmosphere is also important.

“For many, this has been seen as a more tractable option as the perceived costs and impacts on our lifestyles are seen as less than those associated with actively reducing emissions.

“In New Zealand, the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has seen CO2 emissions being offset by carbon sequestration, primarily by fast-growing radiata pine (often called carbon farming). This PCE report rightly questions these assumptions and the way the ETS operates.

“Unlike native forests, permanent exotic tree plantings do nothing for native biodiversity, will become major reservoirs for exotic plant, fungal and animal pests, and can facilitate wildfire.

“Mature radiata pine plantings are also more prone to damage from severe storm events than native forests, leading to downstream effects, especially as climate change-induced storms intensify.

“Native forests cannot compete with radiata pine on cost despite the multiple values they provide – so one of their key recommendations is that we need to change the policy settings to recognise these liabilities.

“While the PCE report doesn’t say this explicitly, carbon farming is essentially treating the climate emergency as just another opportunity to make money while ignoring future financial and environmental liabilities, which is, in my view, morally corrupt. Sadly, the recent proposal by Government to use public conservation land for even more carbon farming reinforces this approach.”

While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical if we are to have any hope of a sustainable future, drawing down or sequestering the CO2 that is already in the atmosphere is also important.

- David Norton

Forests as a strategic asset

Tim Payn, principal scientist at Scion, says that whether publicly or privately owned, forests should be considered a vital national strategic asset. “They remain a critical part of our climate change response, and they are going to have to look different in the future, to continue playing a role in decarbonising a growing economy.

“Climate challenges, such as more intense storms and severe droughts, mean we must consider new forestry systems that can withstand these risks. The report clearly outlines opportunities, for example, transition forests, alternative species, standing forests for ecosystem services and the need to shift away from clear-fell harvesting systems in some areas.”

New Zealand has embraced radiata pine forests as carbon sinks. They help stabilise soil, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by absorbing sediment and pollutants. These plantations also provide habitat for native species. But they may not be as diverse as native forests; they threaten future biodiversity.

The benefits of forests are often difficult to grasp, but they include carbon

sequestration, erosion control, flood mitigation, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and recreational and mental health benefits. These services are often not recognised in market transactions, which can result in them being undervalued in decision-making processes.

One 2019 Scion study quantified the ecosystem services that these forests offer. The study estimated that, on highly erodible land, radiata pine forests can generate between $330 and $640 per hectare per year in economic returns. This includes both traditional timber value and non-market environmental services. In many cases, the value of avoided erosion and reduced nutrient runoff exceeded the value of timber alone, particularly on steep slopes where erosion is more severe.

Establishing forests on such terrain does come with costs. Initial establishment expenses in the first year range from $1,330 per hectare on flat land to $1,706 per hectare on very steep land. Thinning costs in year seven range from $700 to $900 per hectare, depending on the slope. Additional infrastructure costs include land construction, ranging from $2,079 to $9,504 per hectare, depending on the slope and soil class, and internal road construction, which can range from $39,427 to $119,475 per hectare, based on the level of erosion susceptibility. Harvesting and transport costs also vary widely, from $19 to $38 per tonne. Importantly, the study advocates for smarter, more strategic land use rather than blanket afforestation. Targeting afforestation efforts to highly erodible land can improve both environmental and financial outcomes. It suggests that integrating forestry on less productive land while intensifying agriculture on higherperforming areas may provide a more sustainable and profitable approach overall.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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Onekawa Metal Recyclers

ATMS’S CORE FOCUS IS ON SAFETY FOR THEIR STAFF,

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ATMS knows that safety is measured by the reduction of risk through careful planning, preparation, highly trained staff, the use of state-of-the-art plant and equipment, effective management, and clear communication.

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Experience & Expertise: With decades of experience in traffic management and civil re-instatement, our team brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. We’ve successfully managed countless projects, making us your trusted partner in safety and efficiency.

Safety First: Safety is our top priority. We implement stringent safety measures to protect both our workers and the public. Our safety record speaks to our unwavering commitment to creating secure work environments.

Client-Centric Approach: We put our clients at the center of everything we do. Our dedication to clear communication, on-time delivery, and budget-conscious solutions ensures your satisfaction and peace of mind.

Learning from a leaky past

External water ingress is often a contributing factor in most building failures, and avoiding rain damage can be one of the most challenging tasks that designers and builders face. Our nation’s history reminds us that designing for weathertightness should begin long before many other construction details are considered. Building properties right the first time ensures more New Zealanders have access to safe and healthy homes. Yet many new residential builds leak.

A 2020 BRANZ industry survey on resolving industry beliefs that prevent weathertightness solutions found that better-quality design, better-quality control processes, and cultural change are needed within the construction industry. Improved training and education for builders and architects, more detailed plans, improved liability schemes, and increased awareness of compatible materials were other solutions proposed by survey participants.

Survey responses suggest weathertightness is especially present in structures with complex designs. Underpinning these issues is a desire for affordable homes, “prioritised above concerns about construction quality, and by the prevalence of risk-avoidant behaviour by some building professionals who seek to limit their exposure to liability”. Preventing weathertightness is a complicated issue with no single cause.

Learning from New Zealand’s past building failures, especially the leaky homes crisis of the 1990s and early 2000s, has shaped a new,

more robust approach to weathertightness in residential construction. The widespread issues of that era, rooted in poor design, substandard materials, and inadequate oversight, highlighted the urgent need for clear, practical watertightness principles.

Central to this new approach is the 4Ds framework: Deflection, Drainage, Drying, and Durability. These principles provide a comprehensive strategy for keeping water out and protecting the integrity of buildings:

Deflection is the first line of defence, focusing on preventing water from reaching vulnerable parts of the building. This is achieved through features like eaves, overhangs, and welldesigned cladding systems that shed rain away from walls and openings.

Drainage recognises that some water will inevitably get past the outer defences. Effective drainage systems—such as flashings, wall wraps, and drained cavities—ensure that any water entering the building envelope is quickly directed back outside, minimizing the risk of damage.

Drying addresses moisture that remains within the structure. Proper ventilation and the use of vapour barriers and insulation allow any residual water to evaporate or diffuse, preventing the build-up of moisture that can lead to mould or decay.

Durability underpins the entire approach. Selecting materials and construction methods that can withstand New Zealand’s challenging climate, characterised by wind-driven rain, humidity, and temperature swings, ensures that buildings remain weathertight over time.

These lessons from the past have been embedded into the New Zealand Building Code and industry best practices. However, ongoing vigilance is required. As architectural styles evolve and the demand for affordable housing continues, it is vital that the 4Ds remain at the forefront of every project. By prioritising these principles and building a culture of quality and accountability, the industry can avoid repeating past mistakes and provide safe, resilient homes for future generations.

Waterproofing membranes

A waterproofing membrane is a thin, water-resistant layer applied over a surface to prevent water penetration. These membranes are essential for protecting areas such as roofs, decks, basements, and internal wet zones from water damage.

To perform effectively, a waterproofing membrane should be durable, flexible, tearresistant, and have elastic qualities that allow it to stretch over cracks and adapt to the building’s movement.

The Waterproof Membrane Association Inc. (WMAI) is committed to establishing best practices in the installation and maintenance of waterproofing membranes. It has a fundamental appreciation of the role technology plays in enhancing living conditions, and is rightfully proud of the role it plays in continuing to set the benchmark for best practice in its native industry, waterproofing, as the organisation’s name so aptly applies.

As part of this mission, the association has developed codes of practice for torchon membranes and internal wet area membranes. These documents are available on the WMAI website, both in print and as downloadable files.

Torch-on membranes

Torch-on membranes are an alternative to asphalt roofing. Typically used on flat roofs, this waterproofing membrane is made of sticky, viscous organic liquids, with bitumen and polymers the key components. When applied correctly, it prevents the risk of

water entry, is resistant to tears and punctures, and has an extremely long lifespan.

Internal wet area membranes

Effective waterproofing is essential for internal wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. Poor waterproofing results in problems with tiling, leaks and potentially expensive repairs. Water escaping from the shower, around the bath, the basin, and other wet areas can remain unnoticed for long periods, causing severe damage. Properly installed waterproofing membranes are essential behind tiled surfaces because tiling itself does not provide waterproofing.

Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes

Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes are suitable for most types of roofs, providing a weather-tight seal. The waterproofing membrane forms a seamless bond, preventing the passage of water and water vapour into the structure. It can tolerate pooling water, withstands harsh UV light, and exhibits excellent resistance to mould and mildew. Liquidapplied waterproofing membranes offer a high degree of durability, flexibility,

Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes offer a high degree of durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance. They can be used over existing roof surfaces for repairs and maintenance.

and chemical resistance. They can be used over existing roof surfaces for repairs and maintenance.

Below-ground tanking waterproofing membrane

Any part of a building that is below ground must be completely waterproof, including basements, underground car parking, foundations, and retaining walls. The consequences of leaks in underground structures and foundations can be disastrous; therefore, the waterproofing must be of high quality and applied correctly.

• Waterproofing and Tanking

• Concrete Protection and Repairs

•

•

• Grouting and Sealants

• Flat Roof and Deck Membranes

• Flooring Screeds - Epoxy and Polyester

• Swimming Pool Sealing and Coating

• High Pressure Injection - Epoxy and Polyurethane

Stress-free plumbing solutions

When it comes to plumbing, you want someone you can trust. Someone who shows up when they say they will, does the job right the first time, and treats your home or property with respect. That’s exactly what Jordy’s Plumbing delivers to clients across Hastings and Hawkes Bay.

Jordy’s Plumbing prides itself on being honest, local, and reliable. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, planning a new build, or upgrading your bathroom or kitchen, Jordy and his small, skilled team are here to help, without the runaround or inflated quotes.

At Jordy’s Plumbing, no job is too big or too small. They cover a wide range of services, including plumbing maintenance and repairs, hot water cylinder replacements, new home plumbing and drainage, gas fitting, and bathroom or kitchen renovations. Their practical know-how is backed by solid communication and genuine customer care. From the moment you get in touch, you’re dealing with real people who genuinely care about delivering a quality job every time. What makes Jordy’s plumbing stand out from the rest is their ability to make the complex simple. They will talk you through what needs doing, so you always feel informed and in control. If you’re unsure where to start,

they will help assess your options and offer the kind of clear advice that is grounded in years of hands-on experience.

From new home builds, Jordy’s Plumbing works seamlessly with other trades to make sure timelines stay on track and the plumbing work integrates smoothly into the wider project. For renovations, they understand the disruption home improvements can bring, which is why they are committed to being punctual, tidy, and efficient, making the process as easy as possible for you and your family.

They are also certified to carry out gas fitting, which means whether it’s installing a gas hob, a gas water heater, or a full system for your new home, they have got you covered with safe, compliant, and high-quality workmanship.

Above all, Jordy’s Plumbing is about trust. The business is built with the aim of doing things better: better service, better communication, better results.

If you are after a down-to-earth plumbing company that combines expert knowledge with a friendly face and fair pricing, give Jordy’s Plumbing a call. They will get the water running, the drains flowing, and the job done properly.

Jordy’s Plumbing Hastings & Hawkes Bay 020 4028 6986 jordysplumbing@gmail.com

Wastewater solutions that work

Hawke’s Bay Waste Water Management (HBWM) provides expert wastewater solutions tailored to the unique needs of residential, commercial, and rural clients across the region. Based in Hastings and proudly locally owned and operated, the company offers a complete service. Handling everything from system design and manufacture to installation and maintenance, with a strong focus on reliability, compliance, and long-term performance.

Specialising in wastewater treatment, HBWM is the authorised agent for Oasis Clearwater and Austin Bluewater systems, two of the most trusted names in the industry. Whether a project calls for a primary or secondary septic system, a full commercial treatment solution, or something more customised, clients can trust HBWM to deliver a system that is fit-forpurpose and built to last.

What sets HBWM apart is its comprehensive approach. The team works closely with each client to design systems that suit the specific site conditions, property layout, and regulatory requirements. This includes assessing soil types, water usage, and environmental factors to ensure the right system is chosen and installed to the highest standard.

Beyond wastewater treatment, HBWM also provides a range of related services, including the installation of water tanks, rural water supply systems, and drainage solutions. They supply both concrete and polyethylene tanks and offer assistance with spring development and rainwater harvesting. For clients seeking a

single point of contact for water management infrastructure, HBWM is a dependable and knowledgeable partner.

Because the company manages every aspect of the process in-house—from planning to installation and servicing—clients benefit from consistent communication and a streamlined project timeline. HBWM also offers ongoing servicing and support, ensuring systems continue to operate efficiently and remain compliant with council and environmental regulations over the long term.

Their practical expertise, combined with a strong understanding of local conditions and council processes, has made them a trusted name throughout Hawke’s Bay. From lifestyle blocks to large-scale commercial operations, HBWM delivers quality systems with the level of service and accountability only a dedicated local business can provide.

To learn more or request a consultation, clients can contact Hawke’s Bay Waste Water Management directly by phone on 0274 496 876 or via email at office@hbwm.co.nz.

BAY WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT LTD

They’re ready to help you plan and implement a sustainable, compliant wastewater or water management solution that suits your property now and into the future. With a reputation built on experience, service, and quality

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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.

So, as a local company servicing Cantabrians in the re-build of Christchurch, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

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.

By using Securescaffold you can rest assured that your objectives of safety, cost and meeting deadlines are of paramount importance.

All our equipment is rigorously tested to the highest of standards.

Securescaffold covers all NEW WorkSafe working height requirements providing fall protection for builders, painters, home handyman and roofers on new and existing home constructions.

• 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!

RBS Commercial and Residential Contractors

Hiring qualified building professionals is essential when undertaking any construction or renovation project on your property. These experts bring the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to ensure that work is completed safely, efficiently, and to code.

This is where the team at RBS Commercial & Residential Contractors comes to the fore, providing building services for locals in the Hutt Valley, Wellington Region, Kapiti Coast and surrounding areas.

Rob Easthope from RBS says if you want the job done right, with precise work every time, then look no further than RBS Commercial and Residential Contractors.

“We are a local Wellington contracting company specialising in commercial and residential building, renovations, fencing, and complete decoration (painting and plastering). From small jobs to big jobs, we have the team, be it project management, a shop fit out, or a bathroom and kitchen renovation.”

RBS have a working relationship with other contractors (plumbers, electrical, flooring) which enables their company to provide total project management as a one-stop for total project completion for the client.

The RBS team understands building regulations, which means avoiding costly mistakes. This understanding, combined with

training, experience, and skills, allows them to spot potential problems early and offer solutions that a less experienced worker might overlook.

As we’re all aware, poor workmanship can lead to structural issues, increased maintenance costs, and even safety hazards.

By investing in the qualified professionals of RBS, you’re safeguarding the value of your property and ensuring the long-term integrity of the work. Whether it’s a small renovation or a large project, the RBS team ensure your project is delivered with quality, compliance, and peace of mind.

“We are able to deliver the highest standards in the industry for our customers because

of the experience of our team. This broad range of skills in our team enables us to offer a full range of services. “

The company’s primary areas of specialisation are commercial and residential building construction, painting and decorating, internal plastering, remedial maintenance, roofing maintenance and rectification, house alterations and fencing.

“We have a close working relationship with other operators and contractors within the construction and building industry, allowing us to provide a total package of services.

“We have been in the construction, decorating and maintenance Industry for

over 25 years. We are very professional and work hard to meet the client’s needs and pride ourselves on providing competitive quotes and quality workmanship,” Rob says.

“As you can see, we strive to cover all bases to be your one-stop shop. We are committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet our customers’ needs, requirements, and expectations.

“We pride ourselves in providing industryleading professional services for our clients, valuing the client relationship and input while ensuring the process is stress-free and delivers a high level of results.

RBS, like all companies within the working business environment, are not infallible within their profession. “We stand by our obligation and commitment. (It’s the putting right that counts)”.

“No matter the size of your need, we have the experience and expertise to provide the right solution and service for you. Whatever the job you need help with, we can sort it.”

RBS Commercial & Residential Contractors 11 Moana Street, Otaki Beach Otaki 022 413 0512

rob@rbscontracting.co.nz

Trusted expertise in height access solutions

Since its establishment inApril 2004, Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding has developed a strong reputation for providing high-quality, dependable scaffolding services.

With over two decades of experience behind them, the company has proudly supported countless residential, commercial, and industrial projects throughout the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding regions. Their commitment to quality, safety, and adaptability has made them a trusted name in the scaffolding industry.

Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding specialises in tube and clip scaffolding, a versatile and durable system known for its strength and flexibility. Whether the project is a simple home renovation or a large-scale commercial development, the team can design and install scaffolding tailored to meet specific site requirements.

Their approach is straightforward but effective, guided by a clear operating principle: No job too big, small, or difficult.

One of the key strengths of the business lies in its leadership. General Manager Craig Mathers, a qualified builder with over 30 years in the building industry, brings invaluable insight into construction processes and site demands.

Craig understands the everyday challenges that contractors face and uses this

Health and safety are top priorities for Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding. The company holds all the necessary scaffold tickets and certifications to comply with New Zealand’s rigorous safety standards.

knowledge to ensure that the company delivers practical, compliant, and userfriendly scaffolding solutions.

Craig’s involvement goes beyond management—he is also available to speak directly with clients to discuss their

scaffolding needs. This personal touch fosters clear communication, transparency, and a high level of trust between the company and its customers.

Health and safety are top priorities for Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding. The company

holds all the necessary scaffold tickets and certifications to comply with New Zealand’s rigorous safety standards.

Craig is a strong advocate for due diligence when selecting a scaffolding provider, encouraging clients to verify the credentials, safety records, and industry qualifications of potential providers. He also recommends reviewing client testimonials to get an accurate picture of a company’s reliability and professionalism.

Scaffolding work naturally involves risks. Falls, equipment failures, and environmental hazards are all possibilities when working at heights. However, these risks are significantly mitigated when working with an experienced team like Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding.

The company employs only trained and certified professionals and ensures all equipment is regularly maintained and fit for purpose.

They also strictly follow the Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand, first introduced in 2002 and updated in 2009. These guidelines reflect the highest standards in health and safety, serving as a benchmark for all industry professionals.

With a legacy of proven performance, a commitment to client care, and an unwavering focus on safety, Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding remains the go-to choice for reliable scaffolding solutions across the region.

Hibiscus Coast Scaffolding 477C Whangaparaoa Rd Stanmore Bay Hibiscus Coast

Custom fabrication experts in Kaitaia

Based in Kaitaia, Northland, Thomson Fabworks Ltd has built a strong reputation as a reliable provider of high-quality welding, fabrication, and steel solutions. Serving both commercial and residential clients, the company specialises in custom metalwork tailored to meet the unique demands of each customer, no matter how big or small the project.

Founded on the principles of craftsmanship, reliability, and community, Thomson Fabworks Ltd has grown to become a trusted name in the Far North. With a dedicated team of experienced fabricators and welders, the business prides itself on producing strong, long-lasting solutions that stand the test of time and use.

Thomson Fabworks Ltd offers a comprehensive range of services, including general engineering, light and heavy fabrication, welding, plasma cutting, and custom projects. The workshop is wellequipped to handle everything from one-off fabrications to larger production runs. They also provide sheet metal work, plate folding, and structural steel services. Their ability to work with a variety of metals, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium, gives them flexibility across a wide spectrum of jobs.

A key strength of Thomson Fabworks Ltd is their versatility. From repairing agricultural equipment and building custom trailers to fabricating handrails, benches, and structural frames, the team approaches every task with the same level of attention to detail and pride in workmanship. This has made them

From repairing agricultural equipment and building custom trailers to fabricating handrails, benches, and structural frames, the team approaches every task with the same level of attention to detail and pride in workmanship.

a popular choice for local farmers, builders, and homeowners alike.

In addition to fabrication services, the company supplies steel materials directly to the public. Whether customers need flat bar, box section, angle iron, or galvanised sheet, Thomson Fabworks Ltd maintains a selection of commonly used steel products and can help clients source more specialised materials if needed.

The company’s Facebook page is a great way to see their capabilities in action. Regularly updated with project photos and news, it showcases the wide variety of work they do, from outdoor furniture, build custom ute decks in both alloy and steel, heavy-duty farm gear and bespoke designs. All while being fully mobile.

Customer service is a major focus for the team at Thomson Fabworks Ltd. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide practical advice as needed. From concept to completion, the business maintains clear communication and ensures that every job is delivered on time and to specification.

Local support and word-of-mouth recommendations have played a huge part in the company’s growth. With deep roots in the Kaitaia community, Thomson Fabworks Ltd values relationships and is proud to contribute to the region’s development through its work.

For more information, potential clients are encouraged to follow Thomson Fabworks Ltd on Facebook, visit their workshop, or get in touch directly to discuss project ideas or pricing. Whether it’s a new fabrication project, a quick fix, or a creative custom solution, Thomson Fabworks Ltd is ready to deliver results built to last.

WELDING & FABRICATION

Maurice Heappey

Covering the Southern Lake Taupo Region

Maurice Heappey, a native of the Turangi Community since 1966, is now working with Bayleys Turangi to connect buyers and sellers of real estate. With a background in the ski and boating industry, he established Turangi Boat Storage in 1984.

Maurice is married, has an adult daughter, and enjoys living in the Central Plateau. With an extensive network of contacts, he promotes the Southern Lake Taupo region’s unique attributes. He offers expert advice, local knowledge, and a comprehensive understanding of property, from commercial investments to lifestyle blocks and businesses.

Digging deep since 1960

Bullock Contracting Ltd has been a pillar of excellence in the greater Wellington region for 65 years.

Originating from Keith Bullock’s first Caterpillar D47U dozer, which today is still in the fleet and fully restored after 30,000+ hours, the company has evolved into a fullscale, third-generation family earthmoving, rail and cartage powerhouse. From those early roots, Bullocks have built its reputation on reliability, quality workmanship, and deep community connections.

Expertise in every terrain

Bullock’s skilled crew handle a wide range of civil construction projects:

• Earthworks and Subdivision

• Drainage and Retaining Walls

• Roading and Landscaping

• Cartage, Recycling and Fleet

Whether tackling greenfield residential subdivisions or maintaining critical roadways, Bullock Contracting delivers projects on time, on budget and up to the highest standards.

A legacy powered by family and integrity

From Keith Bullock’s pioneering spirit to

the current director and son of Keith, Glenn Bullock, trained at the dozer blade, Bullock Contracting remains a proud family business. Now in its third generation, the company is built on the values of trust, accountability, and personal service. Their restored D47U isn’t just a machine; it is a symbol of legacy and ongoing excellence.

Why choose Bullock Contracting?

• Proven Track Record: Over six decades delivering local infrastructure and construction excellence.

• Local Know-How: Proudly serving Porirua and the wider Wellington region

• Full-Spectrum Services: From earthworks to cartage, rail work to site prep.

• Safety First: Certified, trained crews for safe, responsible operations.

• Family Values: Personal integrity, community focus, and enduring relationships.

Partner with a company that’s built on history, but geared for your future. For a free quote or to discuss your next civil, earthmoving, or cartage project, call 021 430 724 or email admin@bullocks.co.nz

• Earthworks

• Subdivision

• Drainage

• Retaining Walls

• Roading

• Landscaping

• Cartage

• Recycling

• Fleet

TYRES TO HELP YOU TREAD TRUE

Carter’s Tyre Services offers well equipped facilities at our nationwide stores, excellent service and professional advice, helpful and accommodating staff with fast and effective service to cater for all your passenger tyre needs.

Manage your fleet more effectively with NZ’s #1 local tyre business.

Carter’s Tyre Service offers advanced tyre management solutions, enabling real-time fleet state monitoring, efficient maintenance scheduling, and up to 15% more wear out of every tyre, reducing costs and enhancing safety.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 8.00am – 5.00pm Sat 9.00am – 12.00pm

SERVICES

• 24h call out

• Fleet Solutions

• Wheel Alignment

• Puncture Repairs

• Wheel Balancing

• Tyre Rotation

• Batteries

• Free Battery Testing Tyres

• Passenger Tyres

• 4×4 & SUV Tyres

• Light Truck Tyres

• Forklifts

• Boat Trailers

• Mobility Scooters

• Golf Carts

Commercial Tyres

• Trucks and Buses

• Agricultural

• Off the Road (OTR)

• Retread Accessories

• Mags

Civil works that work

High-intensity weather events have repeatedly battered Taranaki this year, with multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and torrential rain causing widespread flooding, slips, and infrastructure damage. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the need for resilient, well-designed infrastructure has never been more urgent.

Harsh downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to contamination, erosion, and costly repairs. That’s why managing stormwater runoff is critical at every worksite. Proper planning, from strategically laid drains to sloped surfaces, helps control water flow and mitigate damage. Not only does this protect the land, but it also simplifies inspections after storms and reduces long-term risk.

Whether you’re dealing with sewer, stormwater, or water main drainage, enlisting qualified experts can save thousands in future repair and maintenance costs. Beyond drainage, thoughtful exterior design also plays a key role in weather resilience. In these unpredictable times, curating your outdoor space means creating an environment that’s not only safer and more secure but also tailored to your property’s unique needs.

That’s where Civil Works Taranaki comes in. Specialists in all types of earthworks, the company has quickly become a key player in the region’s civil works sector. From retaining walls and roading to driveways, concreting, and drainage, their experienced team is perfectly placed to help futureproof, upgrade, and revitalise your property, bringing your design vision to life with practical, long-lasting solutions.

Although Civil Works Taranaki is only two years old, it has already established a strong reputation. When Taranaki Civil closed its doors, owner Phil Walker saw an opportunity to honour the company’s legacy and continue serving the region. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Phil has built a team that’s grown quickly in both size and reputation.

Their fleet of diggers and trucks is purposebuilt for drainage work, while a remotecontrolled roller allows for trench compaction without needing staff underground—an efficient, safety-forward innovation. Civil Works Taranaki is also SiteWise and SiteSafe accredited, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to safety and professionalism across every job.

In a region facing ever-changing weather extremes, choosing the right civil contractor is about more than just getting the job done; it’s about building with the future in mind. Civil Works Taranaki offers the knowledge, tools, and innovation needed to withstand whatever the skies throw down.

Whether it’s metal cartage, site development, or drainage infrastructure, this is a team that delivers smart, storm-ready solutions across Taranaki.

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

Family owned experienced roofing contractors covering the Manawatū, Whanganui & Wellington area.

• New Roofs

• Re-Roofs

• Pre-Purchase Inspections

• Continuous Spouting

• Repairs & Maintenance

Don't risk it - clear the air

When it comes to asbestos removal, you want more than just a service – you want peace of mind. That is exactly what Clear Air Asbestos Management delivers. Based in New Zealand, Clear Air is a team of licensed, experienced asbestos removalists who take the safety of your home or business seriously. Whether you are tackling a residential renovation, a commercial upgrade, or dealing with contaminated soil, Clear Air is the trusted partner you need to get the job done right.

Asbestos is no joke. It is a hidden danger that can threaten the health of anyone exposed to it. Once widely used in construction for its durability and fire-resistant properties, asbestos is now known to cause serious health issues, including lung diseases and cancer. This makes safe removal an absolute must. Clear Air understands the stakes, which is why their entire crew is fully licensed and trained to handle asbestos safely and thoroughly. They don’t just remove asbestos; they manage the entire process from start to finish, teaming up with WorkSafe-licensed assessors to make sure your building is safe before you step back inside.

Clear Air specialises in both Class A and Class B asbestos removal. Class A involves the removal of all types of asbestos materials, including those considered the most hazardous and friable, which can easily release fibres into the air. Class B focuses on bonded asbestos materials, which are typically more stable but still require expert handling to ensure no contamination remains. No matter the class, Clear Air’s skilled experts handle every job with precision and care, making sure your property is free from asbestos contamination. They are not just removing a threat; they are restoring your peace of mind. But asbestos removal is only part of what Clear Air offers. They also handle asbestoscontaminated soil, a tricky issue that requires specialised treatment and authorisation. Contaminated soil can pose risks not only

to the property owner but also to the wider environment. Clear Air’s qualified team is trained to safely manage and treat soils contaminated with asbestos, protecting your property, your family, and the environment. Safety is not just about the removal; it is also about the ongoing management. Clear Air provides oversight management services to make sure proper handling and control of asbestos materials. This helps safeguard everyone on your property –whether you live there, work there, or are just visiting – from potential exposure. Their oversight management is a key step in making sure that asbestos-containing materials are monitored and managed responsibly, preventing future risks.

Because safety concerns extend beyond asbestos, Clear Air also offers methamphetamine decontamination services. Properties contaminated by methamphetamine pose serious health risks due to the toxic chemicals involved in the production process. Clear Air testing and decontamination services give you confidence that your environment is safe again, allowing you to reclaim your space without worry.

If your project involved demolition, Clear Air has you covered there too. Their full range of demolition services is handled with the same attention to safety and compliance, making them a one-stop solution for

What sets Clear Air apart is their dedication to reliable, affordable service without cutting corners. They understand that dealing with asbestos and contamination can be stressful, so they make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. From your first call to the final clearance, Clear Air’s crew is there to support and guide you.

projects that require both demolition and hazardous material management. This integrated approach means you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about coordination – Clear Air manages it all efficiently and safely.

What sets Clear Air apart is their dedication to reliable, affordable service without cutting corners. They understand that dealing with asbestos and contamination can be stressful, so they make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. From your first call to the final clearance, Clear Air’s crew is there to support and guide you. Their team is known not just for their expertise but also for their respect and empathy for clients navigating challenging situations.

Clear Air’s commitment to quality is shown through their approach. Before any work

begins, the team collaborates closely with licensed assessors to develop a detailed plan made to your specific project. This ensures compliance with New Zealand’s health and safety regulations. Their experts use the latest equipment and techniques, minimising disruption and maximising safety.

Got questions or need a quote? Clear Air offers free quotations and is just a phone call away at 027 775 5005 or check out their website at www.clearair.co.nz . Their friendly, knowledgeable team is ready to assess your needs and provide honest, clear advice tailored to your situation.

Don’t take chances with asbestos or contamination. Choose Clear Air for expert service that puts your safety first.

Asbestos Removal Services

Our Company Services

Here at ClearAir, our team consists of highly skilled and committed professionals who take great pride in their work. With licensed supervisors leading the way, and boasting years of experience in asbestos removal, you can rest assured that your project is in safe hands from start to finish.

• Class B Asbestos Removal

• Class A Asbestos Removal

• Demolition

• Oversight Management

• Asbestos Contaminated Soil

• Mould Remediation/Removal

• Methamphetamine Decontamination

Storing flammable and oxidising substances

Buildings, doors, and vents must be fire-resistant when flammable or oxidising substances are stored or used inside.

You need to comply with Part 11 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 as well as the building code to get your building consent.

Compliance certificate requirements

If your work site has flammable or oxidising substances in excess of the threshold quantity a location compliance certificate is required. To obtain a location compliance certificate, the building construction and related separation distances must comply.

Separation distances

All buildings or areas where flammable or oxidising substances are used or stored must be separated from other buildings (including your neighbours) or areas where people may be present.

The higher the fire resistance rating of your building, the smaller the separation distance needed. Other factors which affect your separation distance include:

• The degree of hazard of the hazardous substances

• The quantity of the hazardous substances

• The size of the containers

• Whether the substances are being used or stored

• The activities in adjacent buildings.

Building types

The building requirements below apply regardless of the amount of substances present. For example, when storing hazardous substances, ‘storing’ means the packages and containers remain closed.

If you store flammable substances, then four types of buildings can be used: types A, B, C and D; type A has the lowest fire resistance rating through to type D with the highest.

Workplace fire prevention

7 tips to help

reduce the risk of electrical fires in the workplace

Almost all electrical equipment is potentially hazardous and many workplace fires occur as a result of malfunctions in electrical equipment due to overworking, inappropriate use, inadequate ventilation or overheating, neglect or lack of maintenance.

If improperly used or maintained, electrical equipment can cause serious injury or damage.

So here are seven ways you can help reduce the risk of electrical fires in the workplace.

4. Replace any electrical tool or apparatus if it causes even the smallest electrical tingle/shock, shows evidence of overheating, trips a circuit breaker or gives off smoke or sparks.

When using hazardous substances, ‘using’ means the hazardous substance packages and containers are open.

If you use flammable substances then there are three types of buildings that can be used: types 1, 2 and 3; type 1 has the lowest fire resistance rating through to type 3 with the highest.

Regulations

If you store or use flammable liquids and gases inside a building, then you can work out the separation distances using Part 11 and Schedule 12 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

If you store flammable aerosols, flammable solids, or oxidising substances inside a building, then you can work out the separation distances using the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, specifically:

• Flammable aerosols

– regulations 11.23 – 11.27

• Flammable solids – regulations 10.28 and 10.29

• Oxidising substances – regulations 12.12 (class 5.1.1 and 5.1.2) and 12.37 (class 5.2).

Reducing your separation distance

If you cannot meet your separation distance as set out in the regulations but you have other suitable means to minimise the risk, then you can apply to WorkSafe for an exemption from the required separation distance or building type requirements.

When you apply, we will consider all relevant factors including fixed firefighting equipment as well as the fire resistance rating of walls that are protecting surrounding areas.

New buildings are expected to be designed to meet the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

1. When using portable fan heaters, avoid placing them under desks or in enclosed spaces. The heat from these units can cause paper or other combustible material to catch fire or melt the insulation around electrical appliances.

2. Do not overload electrical circuits and extension cords. Multi-way outlets and extension cords are often used in the workplace due to the number of devices and machines operating at any one time.

3. Avoid using poorly maintained and/ or poor-quality electrical appliances as they can develop electrical shorts which can result in a fire. Careful attention should be given to the condition of equipment and extension cords.

5. Check electrical office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners and shredders regularly to ensure power cords are not defective, frayed or improperly connected. Cords should never be placed on or near hot surfaces, such as radiators, or fastened to walls or windows or pushed tightly against or behind furniture such that the cord could become acutely bent, compressed or damaged.

6. Working on “live equipment” is a serious hazard. Before cleaning, adjusting or applying flammable solutions, electrical equipment and/or machines should be disconnected.

7. Combustible material such as cardboard boxes and paper should not be stored or allowed to build up in inappropriate locations near sources of heat or ignition.

For more information, visit: https://worksafe.govt.nz.

Checking your electrical equipment is safe

At the start of every day, check whether there is any new electrical equipment on-site and whether there are any new electrical safety risks to eliminate or minimise.

Damaged or faulty equipment may be unsafe. Many electrical risks can be controlled when you carry out these simple checks every day:

• Check that all electrical equipment is RCD-protected

• Test RCDs using the test button, including RCDs on PSOAs

• Look at the general condition of electrical equipment (including cords and leads) before use

• Check for visible signs of damage or faults

• Make sure that equipment operates the way it’s supposed to (e.g. that the trigger switch on a drill responds to pressure)

• Check that suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is being used, along with other control measures

• Check equipment is protected from weather and other environmental hazards

• Make sure that leads and cords are arranged, used and stored safely.

Indicators of unsafe equipment include:

• Cracked casings

• Missing or damaged guards

• Outer insulation pulled back at cable entry points so that wires are exposed

• Cuts and nicks along cables; tape covering cuts and nicks

• Dry and brittle insulation

• Burn marks or signs of overheating

• RCDs not tripping when tested.

Workplace safety isn’t optional

Workplace health and safety is not just a checklist to tick off or a compliance box to be filled. It is a culture, a shared commitment between employers and employees to ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. While New Zealand has made strong strides in improving workplace safety standards over the past few decades, recent incidents and industry-specific data show there is still much work to be done.

The cost of getting it wrong

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are injured or harmed at work. According to WorkSafe NZ, last year, 70 people died from work-related incidents, and over 180,000 new work-related injury claims were also submitted last year, according to ACC.

For businesses, poor health and safety practices can lead to serious financial and reputational damage. Fines, investigations, lost productivity, high staff turnover, and difficulty attracting new talent are just some of the consequences. In a time where consumers and clients are more value-driven, companies that visibly fail to prioritise safety could also lose trust and contracts.

Building a culture of safety

At the heart of good Workplace Health and Safety is culture. Safety culture goes above having the right policies on paper; it is about how safety is lived, communicated, and embedded into daily operations. A positive safety culture is one where:

• Employees feel empowered to speak up about risk or hazards without worry of punishment.

• Managers lead by example, consistently prioritising safety over shortcuts.

• Regular training keeps safety top of mind, not just something you hear about once a year.

• Reporting systems are easy to use and viewed as tools for improvement, not blame.

Health and safety leadership begins at the top. Boards, directors, and senior management need to be involved in Workplace Health and Safety conversations, provide sufficient resources, and integrate safety performance into the overall business strategy. When workers see that leaders genuinely care, and not just when an inspector is due, it builds trust and engagement.

High-risk sectors under the microscope

While all workplaces need a baseline of health and safety practices, highrisk industries require more intensive approaches. Construction, agriculture,

forestry, manufacturing, and transport consistently top the charts for workplace injuries and fatalities. These are sectors where heavy machinery, hazardous environments, or physically demanding tasks are part of the daily routine.

To address this, industry-specific guidelines and targeted safety campaigns have been rolled out, including tools like the Safer Farms initiative, SiteSafe training, and the Forest Industry Safety Council’s leadership resources. Programs like these emphasise the importance of proactive risk assessments, safety planning, and upskilling workers.

Mental health is health and safety, too

In recent years, there has been growing recognition that workplace health and safety should include mental wellbeing. Work-related stress, burnout, bullying and harassment can be in some circumstances, just as harmful as physical injuries. For employers, this means thinking beyond hazards like cables or machinery to the culture and workloads being placed on staff.

Creating mentally healthy workplaces includes providing clear job expectations, promoting work-life balance, offering access to employee assistance programmes, and supporting open communication about mental health. In some industries, like healthcare or education, where emotional labour is high, peer support and debriefing systems are vital to help staff manage stress and avoid burnout.

A shared responsibility

Workplace health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. While employers need to provide a safe working environment, workers also have obligations to follow procedures, report hazards, and look out for one another. This shared approach helps build a stronger safety culture where risks are identified early and solutions are collaborative.

Involving staff in safety planning, toolbox meetings, and policy development can also boost engagement. Workers on the ground often have the best insights into what’s working and what’s not.

The goal should always be to create a workplace where people are not only protected but also respected, where safety is not a compliance chore but a value. Because at the end of the day, no deadline or amount of profit is worth more than a life.

Pre-employment medicals – value beyond recruitment

In construction, the right hire is more than their capabilities on the tools. Physical condition, long-term health, and safety awareness all contribute to someone being a good fit for site work.

A Pre-Employment Medical (PEM) assesses a candidate’s general health, medical history, and ability to safely meet the physical and functional demands of the role. It provides employers with a clear baseline of an individual’s occupational health, helping to identify any potential risks or accommodations needed. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of workplace injuries, minimises unplanned absences, and supports informed, confident hiring decisions.

Construction is physically demanding. Workers face exposure to dust, chemicals, loud and prolonged noise, physical and mental fatigue, manual handling risks, vibration, UV exposure and changing weather conditions. When someone isn’t physically or medically suited to their role, it can lead to fatigue, illness, or injury for them – and compromise the safety of the team around them. Staff absences cost the New Zealand economy over $2.8 billion a year, and in an industry where downtime equals dollars, those costs are felt immediately on the ground.

Having a clear picture of a candidate’s baseline health allows employers to identify any potential risks early, from hearing, eyesight and lung function issues to underlying conditions that could impact safety or performance down the line. It also

Having a clear picture of a candidate’s baseline health allows employers to identify any potential risks early, from hearing, eyesight and lung function issues to underlying conditions that could impact safety or performance down the line.

helps meet your legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 by establishing a health record that can be monitored over time.

Health Tick, the occupational health arm of The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), works with New Zealand construction businesses to deliver PEMs tailored to specific roles, worksites, and risk profiles. Whether you’re managing a large-scale build or coordinating infrastructure upgrades in remote areas,

the goal is the same: make sure your team is safe, capable, and ready to work. PEMs demonstrate that you value your people and are committed to supporting them in doing their best work. That builds trust, boosts morale, and contributes to stronger retention and performance across the team.

Besides PEMs, Health Tick also offers a wide suite of services including health monitoring, vaccinations, and respirator fit testing.

Know who you’re hiring – partner with Health Tick for medicals that protect your people and your projects.

Learn more about Health Tick or book a pre-employment medical: https://healthtick.com/contact-health-tick/

Health Tick’s PEMs are carried out by registered nurses with occupational health experience, using professional-grade equipment that’s regularly calibrated for accuracy. Services are customised and delivered nationwide at either a Health Tick fixed-site clinic, or onsite via a fleet of mobile clinics, designed to provide reliable results efficiently across the most remote or fastmoving worksites.

The capital standard

Wellington is a region like no other. With its stunning harbour, dramatic hillsides, and ever-changing weather patterns, it offers one of New Zealand’s most captivating natural backdrops and some of the most complex construction challenges. From earthquake resilience to steep terrain, salt-laden air to heritage overlays, Greater Wellington demands that the buildings rising within its borders do more than simply stand up; they must fit in, last, and contribute to the region’s unique character.

In such a distinctive landscape, the need for top-tier product and service providers in the construction industry is undeniable. Whether you’re designing a multi-storey development on the city fringe, renovating a heritage home in Thorndon, or building a coastal retreat in Eastbourne, quality matters at every stage from planning and design to materials and installation. And in this region, cutting corners rarely ends well.

Wellington’s dynamic geography means that construction requires specialist knowledge, technical expertise, and an appreciation of both aesthetic and environmental demands. This is where collaboration between architects, designers, planners, builders, and developers becomes crucial. The right team will know how to make the most of a site without compromising on safety or visual harmony. They’ll understand the importance

Wellington’s dynamic geography means that construction requires specialist knowledge, technical expertise, and an appreciation of both aesthetic and environmental demands.

of seismic strengthening, smart drainage, sustainable sourcing, and material durability in a region known for its quirks. For project managers and property owners, partnering with trusted providers means confidence, not just that the job will be done, but that it will be done well and withstand the test of time. With regulatory expectations growing more rigorous and client expectations higher than ever, the companies you bring on board are more than contractors, they are your reputation, your support system, and in many ways, the guardians of your vision.

There is also a growing emphasis in Wellington on designing buildings that respond to place. This includes respecting the surrounding environment and cultural heritage, embracing sustainability, and ensuring that new developments contribute positively to the broader urban fabric.

Achieving this calls for skilled craftspeople, reliable suppliers, and innovative thinkers who don’t just follow a brief but help elevate it.

This is not just about prestige, it’s about value. A job done right, with the right people and products, adds long-term benefit to both the client and the community. Energyefficient builds, low-maintenance materials, and structures designed to integrate with their surroundings are a future-proofing necessity. And Wellington, with its mix of

and

Ultimately, the construction industry in Greater Wellington plays a significant role in shaping how the region grows, feels, and functions. It’s not just about putting buildings on the map, it’s about creating spaces where people want to live, work, and thrive in. And

that only happens when the right people are involved from the start.

In a region this unique, there’s no room for second-rate. Whether you’re breaking ground or preserving history, the message is clear: surround yourself with the best, so your project and Wellington itself will be all the better for it.

urban vibrancy

natural beauty, deserves nothing less.

Nationally, WorkSafe recorded 70 workplace fatalities across 2024, with a considerable proportion linked to incidents involving vehicles, mobile plant, and machinery.

Youths climb cranes for clicks

Trespassing teens have recently shed an unexpected light on crane safety. In early 2025, a 16-year-old filmed themselves climbing to the top of a crane, 220 metres above the ground, at the Seascape construction site, which is set to be Auckland’s tallest apartment building.

The youth posted videos of themselves dangling from the crane boom and claimed to have climbed the crane 27 times.

Authorities recalled similar instances in recent years, stressing the need for improved site security and increased public awareness. It underlines the need for robust security and safety measures to prevent tragic accidents.

Almost half of all acute work-related fatalities in New Zealand are linked to incidents involving vehicles and mobile plant. The construction industry continues to experience high rates of fatal and serious injuries involving mobile plant, including incidents with excavators, cranes, and trucks.

Many injuries occur during activities such as lifting, earthmoving, or transporting materials, often due to poor traffic management or inadequate exclusion zones.

Recent case studies highlight the consequences of safety failures. In 2024, the Port of Auckland’s former CEO was convicted after a fatal container accident exposed critical safety lapses. Nationally, WorkSafe recorded 70 workplace fatalities across 2024, with a considerable proportion linked to

incidents involving vehicles, mobile plant, and machinery.

Working with or near mobile plant and equipment carries significant safety risks, but they are far from unavoidable. To start, businesses must conduct thorough risk assessments, establish safe work procedures, and ensure that all workers are properly trained and supervised. WorkSafe stresses the need to eliminate hazards wherever possible, or otherwise control them through engineering solutions like guards and interlocks. Administrative measures, such as clear procedures and vigilant supervision, improve site safety, but it takes a village. For businesses that rely on mobile machinery and equipment, plant and equipment insurance is a vital safeguard against financial loss. The construction, earthmoving, mining, and roading industries should protect themselves against loss, damage, theft, fire, breakdown, and legal liability associated with the use and operation of plant and equipment, whether owned, leased, or hired.

Underwriting agencies of New Zealand:

Underwriting Agencies of New Zealand Limited (UANZ), a key division within the UAA Group, has proudly served the mobile plant industry for over 50 years, offering tailored insurance solutions with unmatched reliability, flexibility, and customer focus. Today, UANZ is taking its commitment to New Zealand even further, reinvesting in the market and expanding its offerings to better support businesses nationwide.

Strengthening our presence in New Zealand

With locally based staff dedicated to understanding the unique needs of New Zealand’s industrial and commercial plant and equipment, UANZ is committed to delivering industry-leading insurance solutions backed by deep expertise. Our investment in the region is reinforced by the recent relaunch of our UANZ website (www.uanz.co.nz), ensuring an enhanced digital experience for brokers and clients. Just as importantly, we’re showing up in person—participating in key industry events like the upcoming Steadfast NZ Convention to foster deeper connections with our valued broker partners.

What sets UANZ apart?

As we deepen our commitment to the New Zealand market, we continue to offer:

• Specialist expertise in mobile plant insurance

• Innovative products tailored to industry needs

• Prompt, efficient claims handling

• Face-to-face service, including joint visits with broker partners

• Direct access to decision-makers for streamlined solutions

• Flexible, customer-focused policies

Strength backed by longevity

Backed by a strong premium pool, significant claims authority, and a longstanding partnership with QBE—one of New Zealand’s most trusted insurers—UANZ offers security you can rely on. Our flagship Industrial Special Plant (ISP) policy remains the benchmark for asset protection, covering everything from small post hole diggers to large mobile cranes. Combined with our streamlined quoting and application process, it’s smart insurance made simple.

At UANZ, we don’t just provide policies—we build protection around the equipment that powers your business.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help safeguard your business.

Expert Professional Services to Accomplish Your Project Goals

Our team offers a diverse range of expert services to support your project goals.

We combine practical experience with the latest methods and technology to ensure that you get the best results possible.

From surveying and planning to engineering design and supervision, our expertise extends to construction setout for commercial and residential development.

3D Mapping

GPS Surveys

Laser Scanning

Boundary Location Surveys  Urban and Rural Subdivisions

 Resource Consent Applications

 Topographical and Site Surveys

 Engineering and Construction Set out

Your Gas Business Hub

Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and get the latest insights you wouldn’t be without on all things gas, innovative projects, and the future of renewable gas - straight to your inbox Sign up here. Stay connected.

Building responsibly Site waste disposal matters

Construction sites can generate a massive amount of waste, from offcuts and packaging to hazardous materials like treated timber, adhesives, and, more often, battery-powered tools. Without a waste disposal plan in place, this waste can pose serious health, environmental, and legal issues.

Site Safe New Zealand stresses the importance of having a clear, actionable waste management plan adjusted to each project. Not only does this lower the risk of injury and fire on-site, but it also supports environmentally responsible practices and compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

One of the growing concerns is the incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries used in power tools. When damaged or discarded in general waste, these batteries can spark fires or leach harmful chemicals into the environment. The same goes for other hazardous substances such as paints, solvents, and treated timber.

By planning, builders and site managers can organise proper separation, storage,

and the safe removal of these materials. Working with certified waste handlers and following the guidance provided by Site Safe ensures that your site remains compliant, clean and safe.

Having a compliant onsite waste disposal plan is not just about ticking a box, it is about protecting your workers, the community, and the environment. It is a simple step that goes a long way in keeping construction sites safe and sustainable.

For more guidance and free resources, visit www.sitesafe.org.nz

If too many people put the

things in their

the whole truckload goes to landfill.

Here are some handy recycling tips: Empty, clean and loose

All containers need to be empty, clean and loose in the bin (not bagged). All lids must be put in the rubbish.

Look for the triangle

Plastic bottles and containers have a plastic code, usually on the bottom inside a triangle. This code tells us the type of plastic it is and whether or not it can be recycled. We can only accept plastic types 1, 2 and 5.

Paper and cardboard

Paper and cardboard needs to be flat not crumpled up and must be clean with no food or food-staining. We can accept clean and empty pizza boxes in the recycling. Those with oil or food on the cardboard can go in your worm farm or compost, otherwise put them in the rubbish.

Size does matter

We can only take paper that’s envelope sized or larger; and plastic containers sized from 100 mls to 4 litres – no smaller than a yoghurt pottle, no larger than 4 litres, no lids.

Coffee cups are a no-no

Take-away coffee cups and lids cannot be recycled.

Clothing or bedding, appliances or tools, toys, polystyrene, machine parts, soft plastics, and more…

None of these can be processed so don’t put them in your recycling bin. If you have any reusable items, drop them off to a charity or our Southbrook resource recovery park. Mobile phones, scrap metal, whiteware and clean polystyrene packaging can also be dropped off for free at Southbrook. Soft plastics can be taken to a shop with Soft Plastics Recycling.

Rubbish is rubbish!

Rubbish, such as nappies and plastic strapping must go in the rubbish bin. Food scraps can go in your organics bin, worm farm or compost.

Clearing the way for safer, cleaner sites

Dealing with contaminated industrial debris and asbestos is not just a cleanup job; it is a matter of public health, environmental responsibility, and strict regulatory compliance. Across New Zealand, City Salvage is a name that has become linked to safe, efficient, and professional removal of hazardous materials from commercial and industrial sites.

Whether it’s asbestos lingering in older structures or chemical-laden debris from industrial activity, City Salvage has the expertise, equipment, and certification to manage the most complex removals. Backed by years of hands-on experience and a commitment to health and safety, the team knows exactly how to navigate the risks that come with contaminated materials.

As a proud member of the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA), City Salvage adheres to the highest industry standards. Their staff are fully trained and certified, and the company stays current with all WorkSafe requirements and environmental regulations, ensuring every project is completed both safely and legally.

Their process begins with a detailed site assessment to determine the presence

and extent of contamination. From there, they develop a customised removal and decontamination plan, tailored to the specific risks and requirements of the site. Using specialist protective equipment and containment methods, City Salvage isolates hazardous materials and make sure they have removed without posing a danger to workers of the wider community.

Their team takes care of everything from testing and removal to transport, certified disposal and documentation. This end-toend approach gives clients a hassle-free experience while also having transparency and full regulatory compliance throughout.

No two jobs are the same, but City Salvage still applies the same meticulous care to each project, whether it is a large industrial facility, a commercial redevelopment, or a small-scale site with legacy asbestos. Their strong track record across sectors and their reputation for reliability make them a preferred partner for developers, local authorities, and property managers across the country.

When safety is key and the stakes are high, City Salvage delivers. Their work not only removes immediate threats, but it also clears the path for new developments to proceed safely and responsibly.

For any contaminated site requiring asbestos or hazardous debris removal, City Salvage has the expertise and assurance needed to get the job done.

LOOKING FOR STAFF? LAUNCH YOUR SEARCH WITH US!

Use the most cost effective and easiest job site in New Zealand. Now with a new and improved website making things even easier, ensuring you get quality applicants, every time!

Purchase 1 ad (for 1 month) for $157+gst or unlimited ads for 12 months for $1597+gst

100% money back guarantee if you don’t think it’s the best money you’ve spent all year, plus we’ll give you another 12 months free!

Include your company profile so applicants can see why they want to work for you! (once again, other companies charge for this)

Fall protection done right

Construction sites are dangerous environments, with working at heights being one of the most serious risks. That’s why safety nets have become a game-changer in the industry. These nets don’t just prevent falls; they also provide peace of mind for workers and help keep everyone on site safe by catching debris that might otherwise cause harm below.

Safety nets are designed as a passive fall protection system, meaning they’re always there, ready to do their job. Made from durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), they’re strong, weather-resistant, and built to last. Whether they’re installed horizontally or vertically, these nets act as a safety barrier, reducing the risks for workers operating in elevated areas like buildings, bridges, or towers.

To get the best out of safety nets, proper installation is key. Placing the nets as close as possible to the work area minimises fall distances and maximises protection. They need to be securely anchored and extend well beyond the edges of the workspace to cover every potential risk zone. Regular checks are also a must—no one wants to discover a tear or weakened section after it’s too late. That’s why routine inspections and maintenance are vital to ensuring these nets perform as they should.

In New Zealand, WorkSafe has laid out clear guidelines for using safety nets on

Training plays a critical role in maximising the benefits of safety nets. Workers need to understand not only how these systems function but also how to identify potential hazards and ensure proper maintenance.

construction sites. These include selecting nets that meet strict industry standards, like EN 1263-1 certification, and ensuring that only trained professionals handle the installation. Following these guidelines helps companies stay compliant, and it saves lives. A safe worksite is a productive worksite, and adhering to these best practices reduces accidents while boosting team morale.

What’s great about safety nets is how they create a sense of security for workers. When people know there’s a backup in place, they’re less distracted by fear and can focus on doing their jobs well. This not only leads to fewer mistakes but also creates a more positive and confident workplace culture. Everyone wins when safety is prioritised.

Beyond their immediate practical benefits, safety nets contribute to building trust within the workforce. Workers who see that their safety is a top priority are more likely to feel valued and respected. This sense of appreciation boosts morale and loyalty, which can have a ripple effect on productivity and job satisfaction. Employees who trust their employer to prioritise their well-being are also more likely to remain engaged and focused.

Another important advantage of safety nets is their role in reducing downtime. Construction projects are often subject to tight schedules, and accidents can cause significant delays. By preventing falls and minimising the risks associated with working at height, safety nets help keep projects on track. This efficiency translates into cost savings for employers, who can avoid the financial repercussions of work stoppages and accident-related expenses. However, it’s essential to understand that safety nets aren’t a standalone solution. They’re most effective when used as part of a comprehensive safety strategy. This includes the use of guardrails, personal

fall arrest systems, and rigorous training programs. Employers must ensure that all safety measures work together to create a robust system that addresses the unique challenges of each construction site. Training plays a critical role in maximising the benefits of safety nets. Workers need to understand not only how these systems function but also how to identify potential hazards and ensure proper maintenance. Regular safety briefings and hands-on training sessions can make a significant difference in developing a culture of awareness and preparedness.

From an employer’s perspective, investing in high-quality safety nets and comprehensive safety programs demonstrates a commitment to responsible business practices. It sends a clear message to clients, stakeholders, and the broader community that worker safety is a top priority. This commitment can enhance a company’s reputation, making it an attractive choice for partnerships and future projects.

In addition to their practical and reputational benefits, safety nets also help employers meet their ethical and legal obligations. Every worker deserves a safe working environment, and implementing effective fall protection measures is a fundamental part of fulfilling this responsibility. By proactively addressing the risks associated with working at heights, companies contribute to a safer construction industry overall.

In the end, safety nets say, “We care about our team, and we’re committed to doing things right.” Whether it’s protecting workers from falls or preventing debris from causing harm, safety nets play a critical role in making construction sites safer and more efficient.

Keeping Kiwi workers safe

When you’re working up high on a construction site, peace of mind matters. That’s where Safety Nets NZ steps in. This Kiwi-owned company has been helping builders and tradies stay safe from falls since 2008, and they’ve become a trusted name in the industry for good reason.

It all started when Craig Daly and his team saw the need for better fall protection across New Zealand’s construction sites. Inspired by what was already being done in Europe, they introduced safety nets to Aotearoa and haven’t looked back. What began as a small idea is now a nationwide operation, with teams based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Central Otago and Dunedin.

What makes Safety Nets NZ stand out is their hands-on approach. They’re not just selling a product; they’re out on site, working alongside builders and making sure every net is properly installed and up to scratch. With a team of over 30 qualified riggers and more than 450,000 square metres of nets on hand, they’ve got the people and the gear to handle jobs of all shapes and sizes.

Their services cover more than just basic safety nets. They also provide fall arrest

What’s great is that despite their size and reach, they’ve stayed approachable. If you call Safety Nets NZ, you’ll speak to someone who knows the ropes—literally. They’re there to give practical advice, tailor their services to your needs, and get the job done without fuss.

systems, stairwell protection, walk-on nets, and debris containment, which are ideal when you’re dealing with things like asbestos. Whether it’s a new build, a renovation, or a large commercial project, they’ve got the solutions to help keep everyone safe.

One of the things that really sets them apart is their commitment to doing things right. Safety Nets NZ helped WorkSafe NZ shape the best practice guidelines for safety netting, and they’ve even worked with Massey University to develop a certified fall arrest system for residential builds. That means when you’re using their systems, you can trust they’ve been properly engineered and tested for the job.

They’ve also built strong relationships in the industry. Builders often mention how quick and reliable the team is. As one client puts it,

“They had our site rigged and good to go in a few hours, our crew feels a whole lot safer working at height now.”

What’s great is that despite their size and reach, they’ve stayed approachable. If you call Safety Nets NZ, you’ll speak to someone who knows the ropes—literally. They’re there to give practical advice, tailor their services to your needs, and get the job done without fuss.

At the end of the day, construction is tough work. But with the right safety gear in place, it doesn’t have to be risky. Safety Nets NZ is doing their part to make sure everyone gets home safe, and that’s something worth backing.

Want to find out more or get them on your next job? Head over to www.safetynetsnz. co.nz to get started.

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.

Property maintenance

When it comes to looking after your property, it pays to have someone reliable in your corner, and that’s exactly what you get with RPM Property Maintenance. Based in Hawke’s Bay, this hardworking team brings years of experience and a hands-on approach to every job, big or small.

Whether you’re after a one-off tidy-up or regular upkeep, RPM covers a range of services, including fencing, concrete,

landscaping, clearing work, property maintenance, interior and exterior painting, small renovations, decks, and more. They work with both homeowners and businesses to keep properties looking their best throughout the year.

What really sets RPM apart is their attitude. They understand that no two properties are the same, which is why they take the time to listen to what you need and tailor their service accordingly. They’re not here to just tick boxes, they’re here to make your life easier and your property shine.

RPM also provides end-of-tenancy services for landlords, property managers, and tenants who want to ensure a smooth

handover. They’ll give your home a makeover so everything is ready for the next chapter.

As concreting, maintenance, and landscaping experts, the RPM mission is to create and maintain usable spaces both inside and out. Custom decks, retaining walls, fences, and other structures elevate our outdoor spaces, and just so happen to be RPM’s bread-and-butter.

Need a reliable team for your holiday home maintenance? RPM offers regular upkeep for absentee homeowners, too. They’ll keep an eye on your property, making sure everything stays in top shape while you’re away. You can relax knowing it’s in safe hands.

With a strong reputation built on trust, consistency, and getting the job done properly the first time, RPM Property Maintenance is fast becoming the goto name for outdoor property care in Hawke’s Bay. Friendly, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile, they take pride in what they do, and it shows in the results.

So, if your property could use a bit of attention, give RPM a call on 022 170 1534. They’ll take the hassle out of maintenance and leave your space looking its best. Simple, straightforward, and reliable, that’s the RPM way.

About Us

We are a leading team of experienced qualified removal agents who are certified and registered with worksafe and NZDAA.

We are provincial based and cover the regions of Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Rangitikei.

Creating A Safe Environment

We offer qualified asbestos removal services, ensuring safety and efficiency in industrial, domestic, and commercial projects, including government work, consulting, surveys, and dedicated removal.

• Asbestos Consulting

• Asbestos Sampling

• Asbestos Removal Safe

• Asbestos Disposal

• Air Monitoring

Taking the stress out of property management

Whether you’re building an investment portfolio, renting while you wait to sell, holding during renovations, or planning a future salePropertyscouts Far North offers expert care, consistent returns, and a genuine partnership across the beautiful Far North district.

Based in Kerikeri and servicing the full region, Propertyscouts Far North combines the personalised attention of a small, owneroperated business with the systems and support of a national franchise.

They’re one of the only property managers in the region offering a rental income guarantee. If a tenant doesn’t pay, they will - covering up to four weeks’ rent to keep your income steady and your stress levels low. That’s right - if they recommend the tenant, they’ll back it.

This confidence is built on a careful tenant selection process, focused on finding reliable tenants who are the right fit. Once a tenancy is in place, both landlords and tenants benefit from responsive support and consistent communication.

Their comprehensive 360-degree inspections are a key strength. These detailed

visual reports are carried out at the start of the tenancy and regularly throughout.

Owners receive a clear, accurate picture of how their property is being maintainedoffering full transparency and peace of mind, even from a distance.

Maintenance is professionally managed through a digital portal where tenants can log requests 24/7 with photos and notes.

or maintenance fees.

Owner Cara Downie brings over 18 years of property experience, a Bachelor of Business Studies in Property Valuation and Management, and a Graduate Diploma in

Whether you’re a handsoff investor or a landlord wanting a more structured, transparent approach, Propertyscouts Far North partners with you to tailor a service that fits.

Finance. She’s also a property investor herself and leads a local team with expertise in compliance, finance, and construction. They understand what matters most to owners: good tenants, minimal hassle, and strong care for the asset.

Whether you’re a hands-off investor or a landlord wanting a more structured, transparent approach, Propertyscouts Far North partners with you to tailor a service that fits. The focus is on protecting your investment, planning ahead, and keeping everything running smoothly.

They also offer free, no-obligation rental appraisals, which can support pricing decisions, long-term planning, or finance applications.

If you’re considering renting as part of a broader investment or project plan, Propertyscouts Far North is here to make the process smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Cara Downie

Business Owner

021 430 993

cara@propertyscouts.co.nz farnorth@propertyscouts.co.nz propertyscouts.co.nz/far-north

From there, Propertyscouts works with the owner’s chosen trades or their trusted local contractors, tracks progress, and provides updates - with no extra admin

WYNANDS MASONRY LTD

Wynands Masonry Ltd, a Napier-based company, has been providing masonry services in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne regions for over 50 years, including new build, renovation, refurbishment, and earthquake repair.

Bricklaying

Brick Veneer

 Brick Paving

 Fireplaces

 Fences

 Retaining Walls

 Entranceways

 Letterboxes

 Footings

 Re-pointing

Blocklaying

Foundations Fences

Retaining Walls

Commercial &

Residential Structures

Letterboxes

Footings

Polystyrene Block

Construction

Stone Masonry

Residential & Commercial Walls

Fences

Retaining Walls

Fireplaces & Chimneys

Paving & Steps

Entranceways

Letterboxes

Columns & Pillars

Wall & Floor Tiling

Residential &

Commercial Walls

Bathrooms

Kitchens

Laundry

Wet Rooms

Fireplaces & Hearths

Balconies, Terraces & Patios

Pools

Waterproofing

Sealing

Floor Levelling

Underfloor Heating

Plastering

Residential & Commercial Areas

Floors, Walls & Ceilings in a variety of

finishes & textures

Interior & Exterior

Applications

Solid Plastering (cement-based)

Rockcote 100% Acrylic

Plaster Systems (can be pre-coloured)

Covering all trades with expert workmanship & service. 06 843 5773 PO

Proud to be local. Proud to support One Mahurangi.

Auckland | Orewa | Warkworth | Matakana | Omaha | Mangawhai | Whangarei

Composite Joinery are the longest standing, most successful aluminium joinery fabricators in Warkworth.

Specialising in a stylish and versatile range of aluminium windows and doors, Composite Joinery create bespoke results to meet your needs. We’re expert joiners with over 50 years’ combined experience.

Composite Joinery are proud manufacturers of Vantage Aluminium Products.