Infrastructure News: Summer 2023/24 by Media Solutions

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ONWARDS AND UPWARDS HOW INFRASTRUCTURE WEIGHS UP IN AUSTRALIA NZ MISSES THE MARK ON WATER QUALITY

SUCCESS IS ABOUT GOVERNMENT ASSURANCE ON A LONG-TERM PIPELINE SUMMER 2023/2024

SUMMER 2023/24

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Funding and financing New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges

he gravity of New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit is well traversed. The conservative estimate is over $200 billion and the increasing frequency of climate related disasters alongside the pressures of growth will continue to add to this multigenerational challenge. Our infrastructure deficit is the legacy of historic underinvestment but also represents a significant opportunity for our economy, people and environment. It's time for a mindset shift in how we fund, finance, procure and deliver our infrastructure. Structural reform is needed to supercharge the sector’s ability to deliver for New Zealanders. To deliver infrastructure faster and leverage the full benefit of projects, external partnerships need to be at the heart of a reset approach to infrastructure delivery. In partnership, Infrastructure New Zealand and Brightstar look forward to presenting the upcoming Infrastructure Funding and Financing Conference on 26 March in Wellington. The gathering is essential for infrastructure professionals to come together and explore what the changed 2

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environment will mean for infrastructure funding and financing, and how the sector can come together to pave the way ahead.

Panel discussions The first panel discussion will investigate the challenges inherent in structural reform and what new revenue tools for local government might mean. We will be joined by Jim Palmer, Chair of the Review Future for Local Government Review Panel and Anne Tolley, Commission Chair in Tauranga as we consider the way forward.

Shaping the future of PPPs – towards Community and Economic Partnerships This session will include newly announced Partner at Russell McVeagh, Bevan Peachey, Infrastructure, Government and Specialised Finance at BNZ, Susan Lucking and Amelia East, Partner and Head of Advisory, Asia Pacific at HKA. The discussion will explore the future of a refined PPP, or community and economic partnership, model. They will provide key insights from Infrastructure New Zealand’s funding and

financing work and explore what change will mean for the sector. Peter Colacino, Infrastructure Strategy and Transformation Lead – Australia, Mott MacDonald and former Chief of Policy and Research at Infrastructure Australia will host a fireside chat to discuss programmatic procurement to drive positive economic and community outcomes. Colacino brings close to 20 years of experience in public policy and is an internationally recognized leader in policy and reform, having authored or contributed to more than 50 influential reports and publications on topics such as regional development, infrastructure, urban planning, market capacity, transport, funding and financing.

Masterclasses Risk Management in infrastructure projects

Bevan Peachey will also be facilitating a masterclass which offers a focused and comprehensive opportunity for participants to delve into the critical aspects of risk management in infrastructure projects. Participants will gain a foundational understanding

of the principles that underpin risk allocation in contracting for infrastructure projects.

Placed-based agreements for local government professionals

Local government professionals are encouraged to attend a second masterclass to gain practical takeaways that will enable them to navigate the complexities of place-based agreements effectively, fostering informed decision-making and strategic planning within the New Zealand landscape. There will be lessons and learnings from overseas, along with discussions of New Zealand’s opportunities and risks. Facilitators are Patrick McVeigh who is the Practice Lead, People and Places and MartinJenkins alongside Linda Meade, Managing Director at Kalimena. The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Conference stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit driving New Zealand's infrastructure towards excellence. We look forward to seeing you there. To view the programme visit brightstar.co.nz/IFF

SUMMER 2023/24

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KEY THEMES • Lessons from successful long-term agreements • Challenges and opportunities of structural reform • The future of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in New Zealand • Alternative funding and financing tools • Funding and financing climate resilient infrastructure and adaptation

AMELIA EAST Partner & Head of Advisory, Asia Pacific, HKA

JIM PALMER Chair, Future for Local Government Review

SUSAN LUCKING Head of Infrastructure, Government and Specialised Finance, BNZ

NICK LEGGETT Chief Executive, Infrastructure New Zealand

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SUMMER 2023/24

Taparahi viaduct on 2 February 2023 Source: Waka Kotahi

Motivation moves mountains

he early opening of the impressive Taparahi viaduct over the landslide cutting the main access to Coromandel East Coast communities, is an extremely welcome acknowledgement of the professional engineering and construction expertise successfully bridging the massive, unstable subsidence. It is also a timely example of what can be achieved with a commitment to short circuiting red tape, repurposing critical bridging components from other sites and deploying skilled workers in 24/7 hour shifts, 4

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completing an estimated 14-month task in just under seven months and almost 15 percent under the $50m budget. This project team truly deserves a Shout-out! Using an existing, proven design for the 124m bridge and concurrently making components onsite and in Napier, enabled construction crews to also improve other sections of the fragile 75km road, enhancing resilience to future extreme weather events and improving safety for road users, especially the heavy vehicles delivering essential supplies without the hazardous, two-

hour detour. Naturally, the impressive success of this daunting engineering task has transport operators asking why the same efficient and most welcome contribution to productivity and national supply chain resilience cannot become the norm. Imagine what impact this unique approach would have if rigorously applied to selected major transport infrastructure projects, notable for protracted delays and inevitable budget blowouts, all too often resulting in substandard construction requiring expensive

Barry Dyer Chief Executive Responsible Care NZ, the chemical industry association. maintenance and costcutting. Disrupted road and rail networks result in drivers exceeding their hours traversing dangerous detours, prolonging delivery times and frustrating customers still recovering from the constraints imposed by Covid and

SUMMER 2023/24

Taparahi viaduct under construction Source: Waka Kotahi extreme weather events. For too long, piecemeal funding and ever-changing policies and priorities for roads of national importance with the consequential uncertainty of continuing work, has led to disposal sales of hard to source construction plant and the dispersion of skilled workers, jeopardising completion of the growing list of sub-standard transport networks. The incoming goverment’s commitment to a resilient, four lane, all-weather highway linking Northport, Hamilton and Tauranga, bypassing the notorious Brynderwyn section, will dramatically improve safety and productivity, reducing accidents and fuel consumption, while shortening travel times. Another delay to upgrading the fragile Cook

Strait ferry capability will frustrate transport operators welcoming the latest extension to Northland’s once derided but now lauded ‘Holiday Highway’. There has been periodic reference to the need to replace the outdated dry dock in Devonport which is not capable of supporting all present, let alone future, vessels. Both the Royal NZ Navy and commercial operators require a futureproof drydock capable of avoiding long repair and maintenance voyages to Australia and Singapore, especially for the incoming new Cook Strait ferries. Perhaps the incoming Ministers of Transport, Infrastructure and Economic Development will surprise us with a comprehensive plan to deliver a long-awaited boost to the national

economy through a fully funded, long-term road and rail construction programme where it is most needed. This strategic approach would focus on just one or two key routes receiving all necessary resourcing to be completed quickly, without any deterioration in key construction and performance criteria. Extending reliable, all-weather access to Northport and the Port of Tauranga would give confidence to multimodal transport operators advocating the need for resilient supply routes to key logistics hubs. In fact, to ensure resilience throughout the national supply chain, look no further than the impressive team effort in restoring the critical SH26A ahead of time and under budget,

thanks to the skills and commitment of project staff unencumbered by the dreaded regulations. Once this highly successful construction team has recovered from their well-deserved end of year break, perhaps they could start on Auckland’s second harbour crossing? Are you out and about throughout these Summer holidays? Please respect warning signs, the ubiquitous road cones and especially the construction crews working on our behalf. Be extra careful out there. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of Responsible Care NZ

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SUMMER 2023/24

Contents

Funding and financing New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges

Motivation moves mountains

Pipeline certainty cuts costs, boosts output

Hard work gets results

Quick response to market changes creates edge in infrastructure delivery

We beat Aussies hands-down on workplace deaths

No better investment than chemical safety training

Never, ever, trust railway crossing signals

Transport infrastructure to boom under new government

10 places in New Zealand where an aerial cable car makes sense

Navigating trends & challenges in workplace health & safety

Water quality goals ‘extremely challenging’

Have we opened the door to cheap imported wool

Working in Summer

Return of the 90-day trial: what you need to know

Original material published online and in this magazine is copyright, but may be reproduced providing permission is obtained from the editor and acknowledgement given to Media Solutions. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and may not necessarily be those of Media Solutions Ltd.

Physical threats & abuse widespread in construction

Industry leader in soft fall protection on construction sites

Safer, faster, multi-purpose telehandlers

Awards demonstrate steel industry’s ability to innovate

Chemical safety relies on meaningful cooperation

Editor Michael Curreen +64 21 029 20234

Publisher Mike Bishara +64 27 564 7779

michael@infrastructurebuild.com

mike@infrastructurebuild.com

Graphic Designer Rachel Loo

Administration Manager Anita Feria +64 27 444 1573

rachel@infrastructurebuild.com

Published by Media Solutions Ltd PO Box 503, Whangaparaoa Auckland 0943 09 428 7456

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Sales Manager Margie Lindsay +64 22 317 8170

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ISSN 2624-0572 (Print) ISSN 2624-0580 (Online)

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Pipeline certainty cuts costs, boosts output

SUMMER 2023/24

The new Government has a unique chance to end the instability in New Zealand’s infrastructure pipeline and save money by committing to a longerterm plan to build what the country needs to grow and prosper, Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Advisor Martina Moroney says

or New Zealand to reach its potential, prioritising a more certain infrastructure pipeline is an immediate action that the Government can undertake to increase productivity and allow us to build more, for less. Our report, written by Infometrics, shows that streamlining delivery by the Government committing to a more certain infrastructure pipeline could result in productivity and savings improvements of between 13% and 26.5% on future infrastructure projects. If applied, these savings could increase the amount spent on infrastructure delivery by between $2.3 billion and $4.7 billion a year over the 2025-31 period. The end result is a substantial increase of $16 billion to $33 billion in infrastructure investment through to 2031. New Zealand badly needs to speed up its infrastructure build, but we also need to be prudent in what we spend in a period of fiscal restraint, so this would be a real game changer. A more secure pipeline would mean fewer fluctuations in government priorities and less funding uncertainty when governments change. It would also mean infrastructure providers could build and maintain the required operational and workforce

capacity. This would allow the infrastructure sector to move between projects with far greater efficiency and deliver the vital projects that New Zealand needs over the long term.

Two broad responses from Government that Infrastructure New Zealand expects to see:

The incoming Government should take immediate action to create a more certain pipeline. A clear, certain and deliverable pipeline is essential for the well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand. The infrastructure sector needs better clarity of when projects will be brought to market and confidence that timeframes and priorities will be predictable. The Government should undertake the following changes in its first term: • Accelerate the development of a clear and certain pipeline of infrastructure projects – identify priority projects, sequence and plan significant projects

more effectively, and enable early investigative works and protection activities to be undertaken where appropriate. • Empower Te Waihanga | The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission to provide independent advice on the infrastructure priority list to build consensus on key projects and initiatives to ensure project planning and prioritization processes within Government follow robust right-sized business case processes and consider a broad range of benefits including climate resilience to ensure we are investing in the right projects. We also need to ensure the industry is in a strong position to deliver our future infrastructure pipeline. Government has an important role to play in partnering with the sector, by: • Continuing to work with the industry, including through the Construction Sector Accord, to develop capability and capacity within the industry and actively consider opportu-

nities to bring skills from overseas which cannot be sourced locally. • Developing Government’s own maturity as a procurer of infrastructure, building on the steps that many government agencies have taken to improve asset management and longterm planning, by improving commercial decision making, management of risk and consideration of alternative delivery and financing models, and • Ensuring we have a pipeline of projects that enable us to continue to use specialist skills we have gone to great efforts to build in New Zealand, and for which there is high demand globally (e.g. tunnelling). This analysis is expected to be used to help inform and develop a more certain pipeline to create a more efficient and effective infrastructure subsector, which has a larger capacity to complete projects, and where firms can invest in developing their workforce and growing their businesses. We hope its insights are taken up by the incoming Government as it works to address the top priorities for the sector in its first term. The report, Estimating the Costs of an Uncertain Infrastructure Pipeline is available here. infrastructurenews.co.nz

SUMMER 2023/24

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he team was forged by three friends working in the industry who realised that the key thing stressed building managers, business owners and landlords needed was to make a single call and get a reliable and qualified support team that would cover any aspect of facilities management. The Rapid trio set down a business philosophy that “we will do what others can’t or won’t do “ and set about assembling a highly trained, efficient and safety-conscious team of professionals who get the job done right, the first time. Today that service stretches from food manufacturers’ audit cleaning, all aspects of industrial cleaning, painting, building and floor safety management to anti-microbial and moss

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SUMMER 2023/24

Quick response to market changes creates edge in infrastructure delivery The new government inherits an intriguing set of circumstances, including a growing population, a pressing need to deliver disaster recovery, and an infrastructure deficit, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia says

onsidered altogether, it seems appropriate to consider the New Zealand infrastructure market as at the precipice of an inflexion point. However, with tumult comes the knock of opportunity. The Australian and New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline (ANZIP) currently tracks a healthy pipeline of major infrastructure across the Trans-Tasman market – projects with a capital value over A$300 million in the 10 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Australian market, and over NZ$100 million in New Zealand – with the Kiwi market contributing A$88.5 billion (NZ$95.9 billion) worth of infrastructure across 64 projects. In contrast to the Australian pipeline, which has many large-scale projects at the pointy end of delivery, the New Zealand pipeline is heavily skewed toward the front end. A number of major projects are in the early stages of planning – such as Waitemata Harbour

Connections, Otaki to North of Levin and the Nelson Hospital Redevelopment – while others in planning are now on the ‘at risk’ register following the election – including Auckland Light Rail, Let’s Get Wellington Moving Program, and the Lake Onslow Pumped Hydro. Figure 1 provides a stage-by-stage breakdown of New Zealand’s pipeline. Despite a number of at-risk projects, the new Government came to the election committed

to growing the transport pipeline through a 10-year NZ$24.8 billion (A$23 billion) Transport for the Future investment. The projects in this policy will be either fully or partially funded by the Government. Key projects include: • A four-lane highway from Whangārei to Tauranga, comprising four projects: 1. Whangārei to Port Marsden – NZ$1.3 billion (A$1.2 billion) 2. Warkworth to Wells-

SUMMER 2023/24 million), and • Lower North Island Rail – NZ$874 million (A$808 million). Included in the Transport for the Future policy document is a commitment to investigate all options for funding and financing transport infrastructure, including using private finance in the delivery of transport infrastructure. Key projects earmarked for private finance include:

Figure 1: New Zealand Pipeline by Status

•

Source: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia

3. 4. • •

ford – NZ$2.2 billion (A$2 billion) Cambridge to Piarere – NZ$721 million (A$667 million) Tauriko West State Highway 29 – NZ$1.9 billion (A$1.8 billion) Mill Road Stage One – NZ$1.3 billion (A$1.2 billion) North West Alterna-

•

tive State Highway – NZ$2.3 billion (A$2.1 billion) Takitimu Northern Link Stage Two – NZ$627 million (A$580 million) Second Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve upgrade – NZ$2.2 billion (A$2 billion)

• •

Hope Bypass – NZ$250 million (A$231 million) Pegasus to Belfast Motorway and Woodend Bypass – NZ$270 million (A$250 million) Eastern Busway – NZ$717 million (A$663 million) Airport to Botany – NZ$1.1 billion (A$930

Figure 2: Forecast expenditure by jurisdiction ($AUD)

Source: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia

East-West Link – NZ$1.6 billion (A$1.5 billion) • Southern Links – Hamilton, with an estimated cost of NZ$600 million (A$555 million) • Petone to Grenada Link Road & Cross Valley Link – NZ$1.8 billion (A$1.7 billion), and • Northwest Rapid Transit – NZ$2.9 billion (A$2.7 billion). Prior to any pipeline cancellations or additions, delivery of New Zealand’s pipeline is forecast to accelerate. Over the next five years, quarterly expenditure on infrastructure will grow from A$920 million (NZ$1 billion) to A$1.9 billion (NZ$2.1 billion) and average A$1.7 billion (NZ$1.8 billion), equating to A$554 million (NZ$600 million) in major infrastructure expenditure hitting the ground each month in New Zealand. Elected with an infrastructure mandate, the new Government should be granted a grace period as changes are made to its pipeline, including selecting projects and how they are delivered. However, to ensure smooth operation of a growing pipeline, the Government must move quickly to establish project certainty and provide necessary funding. Delays in establishing a firm infrastructurenews.co.nz 11

SUMMER 2023/24 Figure 3: Forecast labour demand by jurisdiction

Source: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia

pipeline of funded projects could have ramifications for service delivery and see a busy Trans-Tasman industry flow to markets with greater certainty. While many of the resources for New Zealand’s infrastructure market can be drawn from domestic capability, New Zealand has always had to contend with the two-way task of attracting and retaining capital, plant and labour from

Trans-Tasman neighbour Australia. The scale of this challenge is set to become more difficult, with quarterly infrastructure expenditure in Australia rising to an average of A$20.6 billion over the next five years. Figure 2 shows the forecast expenditure for New Zealand and Australian jurisdictions on ANZIP. As New Zealand’s pipeline grows, so does the labour force required to deliver it. Labour demand for infrastructure workers in New

Figure 4: New Zealand’s infrastructure pipeline by sector

Source: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia

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Zealand is forecast to grow by over 130 per cent of current levels by the middle of 2026, while labour demand in Australia is set to grow by over 40 per cent in the same period. Figure 3 shows labour demand forecasts for New Zealand and Australian jurisdictions

indexed to this quarter. These expenditure and labour demand figures may look like a difficult task for the country but on closer inspection, there is a possibility that New Zealand is able to attract capital, plant and skilled labour from across the ditch. Australia is currently experiencing a major boom in the delivery of energy projects – expenditure is set to average A$8 billion per quarter over the next five years – while the previous boom in transport projects is cooling with rail expenditure to average A$5.3 billion per quarter and road expenditure A$3.5 billion over the next five years. Conversely, there is only one major energy project in New Zealand currently on ANZIP – with New Zealand’s pipeline made up of over 60 per cent transport projects. Figure 4 shows the sectoral makeup of New

Zealand’s pipeline. It is generally true that companies required by major infrastructure projects – from engineering consultancies, planners and designers through to contractors – are, to some extent, sub-sector agnostic. However, there are teams and individuals that have honed a particular set of skills on transport projects in Australia that would jump at the opportunity to redeploy them in the New Zealand divisions of their firms. With transport pipelines at different stages, there is much for infrastructure planners on both sides of the Tasman to consider when attempting to retain or attract this talent. For New Zealand, attracting and retaining sufficient capital, plant and labour will require a steadfast collaborative effort from the public and private sectors. Continued focus should be applied to traditional matters including fostering an attractive business and investment environment, transparent procurement, and a firm pipeline. New Zealand, however, as “the last bus stop on the planet”, has a unique set of circumstances which can work for and against its interests. Smaller advanced economies can benefit significantly from taking the lead on principles and technologies – such as sustainable construction methods, digital engineering and artificial intelligence in design and operation. And the New Zealand Government, blessed with the capacity to be flexible and adapt quickly, should focus on increasing their responsiveness to market conditions to deliver their important infrastructure pipeline.

SUMMER 2023/24

We beat Aussies handsdown on workplace deaths New Zealand is trailing seriously behind other countries in mitigating workrelated harm, a problem costing the country $4.4 billion a year, a new report reveals

he State of a Thriving Nation report pulls together a range of economic and qualitative data to better understand this country’s health, safety and wellbeing performance. It puts the total cost of lost lives, lost earnings and serious injury and health costs from work-related harm in New Zealand at $4.4 billion. Produced by Sense Partners and Shamubeel Eaqub on behalf of the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum, the report shines a light on our current performance as well as looking at two issues facing businesses in 2023; an economic slowdown and a general election – and how they play into workplace health and safety in this country. “The report makes confronting reading. While we’re making progress as a country, it is too slow,”

says Forum CEO Francois Barton. “If New Zealand could improve its performance to match that of Australia, we would reduce our costs to the country by nearly $1 billion per year,” he says. “Fatality rates remain stubbornly high and are similar to those the United Kingdom experienced in the 1980s.” When pulling together data and literature on how economic cycles affect health and safety outcomes, economist Shamubeel Eaqub says the causes of harm tend to be different at different stages of the economic cycle. “When the economy is booming, there is too much busyness, which can crowd out good systems and processes, and culture. When the economy is weak, there can be a tendency towards

cutting safety, training, and culture/wellbeing resources,” he says. “We surveyed Forum members for a pulse check on the economy and business plans over the past year, and the year ahead. While the Forum membership is weighted towards larger firms, the results show that economic growth is expected to be moderate, but continue to grow, defying pessimism in many current surveys of business.” “The survey also told us that businesses expect to continue making significant investments in capital, technology, and training, even more than in the last 12 months,” he says. When considering the upcoming general election, the report calls for the new government to prioritize the importance of a level

playing field through clear regulatory expectations on businesses and effective follow-through and accountability. “New Zealand’s health and safety performance is a nationally significant issue, and demands action from across government and business,” says Francois Barton. “The Health and Safety at Work Strategy 2018-28 has not yet published a workplan – first planned for delivery in 2019, nor established any form of system oversight or governance. This needs to be prioritized,” he says. “We can, and must do better, as business leaders, government, and the regulators to change this economic and social toll to our people and our country.” Read the full report infrastructurenews.co.nz 13

SUMMER 2023/24

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hanges to our Global Harmonisation System (GHS) chemical regime applying from 30 April 2021 require accurate and timely advice - non-compliance could prove costly. Competent staff avoid expensive and sometimes confusing compliance advice, while enabling an effective response to chemical incidents, often without requiring emergency services. Inspectors and certifiers with years of expertise warn of a declining national workplace chemical safety performance. A crucial factor is the continuing loss of onsite chemical safety advice, primarily due to replacing flawed but effective mandatory Approved Handlers with whatever employers now deem sufficient. A second major chemical incident in the same public facility is a timely reminder that safe chemical management is not receiving the attention it deserves. Competent staff are essential. Onsite Responsible Care NZ (RCNZ) Competent Chemical Handler Certification courses are tailored to reflect your chemical inventory and enable compliance. Upskill the last of your HSNO Approved Handlers, update Certified

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Essential compliance tools Ensuring staff are competent to safely manage the harmful chemicals essential to your business includes your effective response to a chemical incident. To enable a smooth, cost-effective transition to and beyond compliance, you need compliance tools: - the updated RCNZ industry Codes of Practice reflecting our revised GHS chemical management system - your 24/7 CHEMCALL® emergency response subscription; and the all-important ‘how to’ advice arising from our popular site ‘walk and talk’ assessments - replacing your Approved Handler with our Competent Chemical Handler certification These are all cost-effective measures which add value to your business. Talk to us today about compliance tools, which confirm you are a good employer, committed to safeguarding employees and our environment by safely managing your chemical inventory. Responsible Care NZ 04 499 4311 www.responsiblecarenz.com

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SUMMER 2023/24

Never, ever, trust railway crossing signals When KiwiRail disconnected a level-crossing in Christchurch, no form of temporary traffic management was put in place and a bus was almost hit by a passing locomotive, but who was at fault?

he Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released its report into the incident at the Selwyn Street level crossing. The crossing had been disconnected on 6 August 2022 when a fault could not be repaired that day. KiwiRail’s procedures did not adequately address the risk posed by leaving the level crossing unattended, TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam says. “The council, as the road controlling authority, wasn’t informed of the fault at the level crossing and wasn’t 16 infrastructurenews.co.nz

consulted on potential risk controls, because there was no requirement in KiwiRail’s procedures to do so for an unplanned disconnection. “So no form of temporary traffic management was put in place until after the near miss between the bus and train was reported on Monday 8 August 2022.” A Go Bus-operated Christchurch Metro passenger bus drove across the Selwyn Street level crossing as a KiwiRail locomotive approached. The bus passed approximately 12 metres in front of the locomotive. There was no collision, no damage and no injuries.

The report records that when the Selwyn Street level crossing alarm system was disconnected from its power source the barrier arms were raised and secured and bags were placed over the alarm lights to show they were out of service. Train control imposed a 10 kilometre per hour speed restriction on any rail traffic approaching Selwyn Street and the other affected level crossings. “This wasn’t adequate in the circumstances. Although the speed restriction reduced the momentum of the locomotive, there

was still a higher potential for a collision with a road user entering the level crossing without taking adequate observations.” TAIC has recommended that KiwiRail adequately address the risk posed by disconnecting level-crossing protections, whether planned or unplanned; and work with road controlling authorities to develop processes for notification, risk assessment and traffic management measures for unplanned level-crossing disconnections.

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SUMMER 2023/24

Transport infrastructure to boom under new government The identification of a pipeline of infrastructure projects will be well received by the construction sector bringing a higher degree of certainty to future workflows and assisting in long-term planning, Colliers says

he National Party, poised to lead the next government, will be expected to deliver on its campaign promises. This includes its package of infrastructure projects, “Transport for the future”, which comprises an investment of $24.8 billion over 10 years on 13 roads of national significance, 18 infrastructurenews.co.nz

public transport projects in Auckland and the lower North Island, and a range of resilience upgrades. Spending on infrastructure schemes will support the economy and create jobs during the delivery phase while modernising and increasing the resilience of New Zealand’s infrastructure over the

longer-term. National has also signalled that its long-term vision is to connect Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga with four-lane highways.

Where will benefit? While the high population upper North Island

centres will be the main beneficiaries of the infrastructure spending, National’s proposals will see investment across the country. It is committed to improvements to the motorway system north of Auckland, while the city itself will see significant investment in public transport.

SUMMER 2023/24

State Highway 2 in Hawke’s Bay will benefit from investment, and there is support for a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington. Christchurch will see further investment in its motorway network, while a second bridge will be built in Ashburton.

Property sector benefits 1. Improved Accessibility and Connectivity: New roading and rail links will enhance accessibility and connectivity, facilitating the development of new greenfield residential subdivisions to accommodate forecasted population growth. These new residential areas will stimulate demand for local

retail services, as well as new entertainment and hospitality facilities. 2. Increased Workload for Consultants: The design phase of infrastructure projects will lead to a rise in workload for consultants. This, in turn, will spur employment growth and an increased demand for office space across various centres due to the geographic spread of the projects. 3. Enhanced Commuter Corridors: Improvements to commuter corridors will allow for more substantial intensification of residential, office, mixeduse, and retail space at or in proximity to transport hubs. 4. Boost to the Industrial Sector: The rollout of

infrastructure projects will create significant opportunities for the industrial sector. Increased demand will be observed during and postdevelopment, particularly from the construction sector as it scales up to meet project requirements. 5. Benefits for the Logistics Sector: In the longer term, the logistics sector will experience clear advantages as the national transport network receives a substantial proportion of funding. The expansion of motorways, expressways, new rail lines, and increased electrification will enable the growth of existing and new logistics hubs, inland ports and

last-mile distribution facilities in an increasingly online retail economy. 6. Cost Reduction in Travel: The reduced cost of travel on higher quality, modern highways will promote increased agglomeration of businesses and employment. This, in turn, will lead to improved productivity in economic sectors, especially in services, wholesale and trade, and manufacturing. 7. Sustainable Development: Investments in public transport and road infrastructure with a focus on sustainability (e.g., public transit, cycling paths) contribute to environmentally friendly urban development. infrastructurenews.co.nz 19

SUMMER 2023/24

An aerial cable car makes complete sense in these places A new report by Doppelmayr New Zealand reveals that in our busiest cities, urban cable car solutions could shave 30 minutes off a commuter’s travel time and reduce congestion as they have done overseas

oppelmayr New Zealand has taken the next step in its ambition to enter New Zealand’s public transport market through the release of its Urban Transport Solutions Report, which makes the case for urban cable car solutions in Aotearoa. The Report shares the findings of an independent strategic level analysis by transport planning and engineering specialists Abley, which identified 20 locations around the country where there is a case for 20 infrastructurenews.co.nz

an urban aerial cable car. Doppelmayr New Zealand intends to pursue a shortlist of 10 sites across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown – with its sights set on Auckland and Wellington in the short term. The other shortlisted sites are a Queenstown Airport to Town Centre route, and two routes from Christchurch CBD – one to the Airport and another to Belfast. Doppelmayr New Zealand CEO Garreth Hayman says

the business is focusing on Auckland and Wellington due to the proven potential for aerial cable cars to address key transport challenges and provide urban development opportunities in both cities. “Doppelmayr’s experience is that aerial cable car systems offer a range of benefits to urban environments under pressure from growth and increasing vehicle congestion, and while cities endeavour to meet ambitious climate targets. We have done extensive

research with local experts to assess the feasibility of integrating aerial cable cars into New Zealand’s major cities. “The sites we are looking at across Auckland and Wellington will save passengers up to 29 minutes’ travel time in comparison to the existing public transport systems. We know these solutions work because we have seen them in action in large international cities – where they complement existing transport networks and are incorporated into

SUMMER 2023/24 Scheme

Route

Strategic value

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Airport to Botany

Airport to Onehunga

Te Atatū to Henderson, via Busway

• Airport – Puhinui Railway Station – Manukau CBD • – Botany •

Rapid Transit network, alternative to Bus Rapid Transit 15 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 2000 passengers per hour, per direction

• Airport – Mangere Town Centre – Mangere Bridge • – Onehunga •

Alternative to Light Rail: Airport – Onehunga section 18 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 3000 passengers per hour, per direction

• Te Atatū – Northwestern • Busway – Henderson •

tend and fully integrate with existing train, bus and ferry services, as we have successfully done around the world,” says Hayman.

Key findings from the Doppelmayr Abley study include: •

Connect to proposed Northwestern Busway 25 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 1000 passengers per her

Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington Airport to CBD

Airport – CBD – Wellington Railway Station

Island Bay – Newton Island Bay to – Wellington Hospital CBD – CBD – Wellington Railway Station

• • •

Alternative to Bus Rapid Transit 14 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 2000 passengers per hour, per direction

• •

Alternative to Light Rail Transit 22 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 3000 passengers per hour

• •

Karori to CBD

West Karori – East Karori • – CBD •

Wainuiomata Wainuiomata – Waterloo to Hutt Valley Rail – Hutt Town Centre

existing buildings, underground stations, airports and housing developments,” says Hayman. Three of the transport links Doppelmayr intends to pursue would connect the Auckland and Wellington airports with suburbs that do not have a strong existing public transport solution, says Hayman. “Mobility in and around many airports across the world are facilitated by a Doppelmayr cable car, such as the recently installed Luton airport DART in

• • •

Additional capacity for constrained corridor 25 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 2000 passengers per hour, per direction

•

Direct connection across physical barrier 29 minutes faster than current bus network Carry up to 1000 passengers per hour, per direction

the United Kingdom. The solutions proposed for New Zealand would reduce congestion and pressure on the existing transport networks, with capacity to transport up to 6000 people per hour between main transport links and suburbs.” Doppelmayr New Zealand will partner with the appropriate planning and transport agencies to progress the investigation of these opportunities. The business is also seeking private/ public financing or equity agreements to facilitate

the implementation of New Zealand’s first aerial cable car. “Worldclass cities require worldclass infrastructure and innovative, effective transport solutions. As part of an integrated network, aerial cable cars provide new possibilities by making use of the currently unused aerial level – one that is not hindered by other modes of transport. We are motivated by the opportunity to introduce public transport solutions in New Zealand that will complement, ex-

•

Aerial cable cars can address several of the key transport challenges facing New Zealand cities, including congestion, air and noise emissions as well as severance between our communities and the places we work, live and enjoy Fundamentally, the aerial cable car offers a reliable, efficient and low emission transport mode, addressing regional and urban congestion and enhancing connections between communities. Doppelmayr cable car systems can transport up to 8000 passengers per hour There are no significant planning or consenting impediments to the introduction of an aerial cable car system for public transport purposes in New Zealand Unlike the significant disruption and related network impacts when installing heavy solutions such as with rail-based systems, cable cars can be installed with a minimum of disruption and in a shorter period. In comparison to other on-road means of transport, the overall advantages of aerial cable cars are significant.

infrastructurenews.co.nz 21

SUMMER 2023/24

Sponsored Article

National Health & Safety Leaders’ Summit 19 - 20 MARCH 2024 ELLERSLIE EVENTS CENTRE, AUCKLAND Critical insights for leaders to improve workplace safety & wellbeing

STEVE HASZARD

JOANNE VAN DEN BERG

CHRISTIAN HUNT

MARK LESLIE

ROBYN BENNETT

SARAH MCGUINNESS

Chief Executive WorkSafe

Head of Safety & Wellbeing Foodstuffs NI

WHAT’S ON DAY 1 : 19 MARCH

Founder Human Risk

Plenary Stream

CEO Pāmu

DAY 2 : 20 MARCH Choose between:

STREAM A Innovation & Technology in OR Health & Safety

STREAM B Health & Wellbeing at Work

brightstar.co.nz/safety 22 infrastructurenews.co.nz

President New Zealand Institute of Safety Management

Founder & CEO Revolutionaries of Wellbeing

SUMMER 2023/24

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Navigating trends & challenges in workplace health & safety

The National Health & Safety Leaders’ Summit, set to unfold in 2024, promises a dynamic exploration of the latest developments, trends, and challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of workplace health and safety.

n the Plenary Day One of the Summit, an impressive lineup of speakers is poised to deliver critical insights and practical strategies to safety leaders navigating the complexities of their roles.

Exploring the Evolving Health & Safety Environment Kicking off the summit, Robyn Bennett, President of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management, will spearhead discussions on the latest trends in health & safety management. From changing market conditions to economic shifts and workplace trends, Bennett will shed light on how these factors impact safety leaders. Emphasizing a redefined business ecosystem with a focus on worker safety and wellbeing, she will draw lessons from recent highprofile workplace health and safety challenges.

Keynote on Adapting to Change and Delivering Outcomes Following Bennett, Steve Haszard, Chief Executive of WorkSafe, will deliver a keynote addressing

organizational change and expected responses within the health & safety sector. He will delve into the impact of WorkSafe’s new strategy on safety leaders and elucidate how performance measurement mechanisms will shape the sector's future.

Driving Cultural Transformation Christian Hunt, Founder of Human Risk Ltd, brings an international perspective to the summit. His keynote will explore driving transformation in organizational culture to embed safety. By delving into the interface of culture, human factors, and behavioural science, Hunt aims to provide actionable strategies for fostering continuous improvement in safety culture.

Engaging Leadership and Front-Line Teams in Culture Change Derek Toner, Director of Engaging Solutions, will share insights on driving culture change by engaging with leadership and front-line teams. Toner will emphasize the pivotal role of visibility in culture change and the responsibilities of safety

leaders in co-designing safer working practices.

Māori Health & Safety Framework: A Cultural-Centric Approach Moira Loach, Senior Health & Safety Advisor, and Jodhi Warwick-Ponga, Board Trustee, will introduce the Haumaru Tāngata (Māori Health & Safety) Framework. Addressing the overrepresentation of Māori in workplace statistics, they will outline the framework’s components and application in workplace health & safety initiatives.

Legal Landscape, Compliance, and Case Studies Grant Nicholson, Partner at Anthony Harper, will discuss the evolving legal landscape of health & safety in New Zealand, highlighting recent legislation, regulatory changes, and court cases. The summit will also feature a panel discussion on the role of health & safety leaders in critical incidents, and insights from Women In Safety Excellence NZ on shaping the future of health & safety. In essence, the National

Health & Safety Leaders’ Summit promises a comprehensive journey through the nuances of health and safety leadership, providing attendees with actionable insights and strategies to enhance workplace safety and wellbeing. Attendees can tailor their conference experience with Day Two Streams For safety leaders traversing the dynamic intersection of technology and safety you can attend Stream A which will focus on emerging technologies; including trends that leverage AI to enhance safety through virtual reality. Wellbeing at work is on the radar for many organisations and Stream B will delve into topics ranging from psychological health and safety obligations to preventing worker burnout and promoting resilience at work. The event will be held on 19-20 March at the Ellerslie Events Centre in Auckland and you can view the programme at brightstar. co.nz/safety

infrastructurenews.co.nz 23

SUMMER 2023/24

Water quality goals ‘extremely challenging’ New research has revealed the sheer scale of the work needed for New Zealand to achieve its water quality targets and what areas need the greatest effort

he research, funded by Our Land and Water, evaluates the current state of four contaminants (nitrogen, phosphorus, Escherichia coli, and sediment) in rivers, lakes, and estuaries across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is the first assessment of the ‘bottom lines’ for all four contaminants across the whole country, and reveals the approximate size of the job required to achieve the minimum requirements set in our regulations. 24 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Achieving the contaminant reductions required by the national regulations will be extremely challenging, say researchers, particularly in catchments where the dominant source of all four contaminants is land that is under pastoral farming. Substantial reductions of at least one contaminant are required in almost all regions. Many rivers, lakes and estuaries exceed the bottom line for more than one contaminant. This adds to the challenge, because actions to reduce

one contaminant may not reduce another, so more effort, time and investment will be required to reduce multiple contaminants. The research assessed the reduction in contaminant loads required to achieve New Zealand’s national bottom lines, a set of minimum acceptable states for our freshwater specified in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM). (The current attributes for nitrogen and phosphorus were defined

in the 2014 version of the NPS-FM, for E. coli in the 2017 NPS-FM, and for sediment and nitrate toxicity in the NPS-FM 2020.) Three-quarters of all land in Aotearoa is contributing more E. coli to our water than is allowed – a much greater area than for the other three contaminants. “Reducing E. coli loads to the minimum acceptable state is perhaps even more challenging than indicated by the map,” says research lead Dr Ton Snelder,

SUMMER 2023/24 director of LWP. “The maps produced by this study highlight the entire area of a catchment where contaminant reduction is needed – but this includes land largely untouched by humans, such as the DOC estate. That means significant action needs to be taken to reduce E. coli entering water from the areas of land that are being managed, and in particular land being used to produce food.” This research does not challenge the regulatory bottom lines defined by the NPS-FM. “Moving towards these bottom lines is currently the best option we have for improving ecosystem health and swimmability in rivers, lakes and estuaries with poor water quality,” says Dr Jenny Webster-Brown, director of Our Land and Water. “However, the report contains important new knowledge about the scale of the challenge.” The research has generated maps that depict catchments according to the size of the load reductions required. This indicates where the greatest effort is needed to reduce water contamination to meet the national bottom lines. This information is critical to helping government and regional councils understand where community expectations for water quality can be met through improvements in farm practice, and where current land uses or intensity may be unsuitable. It can also help farmers in degraded catchments decide whether to continue investing in mitigation actions or consider making changes to land use or land-use intensity. Policymakers in

government and regional councils can use this study to guide the implementation of freshwater regulation, helping ‘size up’ the job ahead and set realistic expectations for the time, support and investment required to restore health to our rivers, lakes and estuaries. The analysis used digital representation of New Zealand’s 650,000 river segments, 961 lakes and 419 estuaries and their catchment area. The research used models informed by data collected at 850 long-term water quality monitoring sites. There are several sources of uncertainty in this analysis, outlined in the report. “This confirms that decisions by policymakers will ultimately need to be made despite such uncertainty,” says Dr Snelder. The study authors confirm they are 95% confident that load reductions are required for most contaminants in most regions, to achieve the minimum acceptable states for our freshwater.

Summary of report findings Waterways in some regions can be more susceptible to one contaminant than others. Regions prone to erosion (such as Manawatū-Wanganui, Waikato and Otago) have larger sediment load reductions required. Large proportions of Canterbury and Southland have high intensity pastoral land use, which is reflected in larger load reductions required for nitrogen. There is significant variation between regions. For example, the

West Coast requires low levels of reduction for all four contaminants, while in other regions such as Manawatū-Wanganui large reductions are needed for all four contaminants. There is also considerable variation within regions, where some catchments require much greater reductions than others. Some land largely untouched by humans is upstream from rivers, lakes and estuaries requiring load reductions to comply with national bottom lines, and is therefore captured by the maps produced by this study. The full catchment area is shown in the maps for completeness. Action does not need to be taken on land where non-compliance is due to naturally occurring processes, under Clause 3.32 of the NPS-FM. Sediment load reductions are required for catchments comprising 49% of the land area of New Zealand. The required sediment load reductions are highest in Otago (338%), Manawatū (58%), Canterbury (49%) and Waikato (47%). The Otago load reduction requirement exceeds 100% because the estimated upstream reductions can be larger than the predicted load at the bottom of the catchment. This is because sediment is deposited in lakes or floodplains as it is transported downstream, for example, in the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Phosphorus: Reductions in total phosphorus loads are required for catchments comprising 11% of the land area of New Zealand. The required total phosphorus load reduction is highest

in Otago (13%), Manawatū (12%) and Southland (12%). Nitrogen: Reductions in total nitrogen loads are required for catchments comprising 20% of the land area of New Zealand. The required total nitrogen load reduction is highest in Canterbury (44%), Southland (41%) and Otago (33%). Escherichia coli: Reductions in E. coli loads are required for catchments comprising 79% of the land area of New Zealand. E. coli load reductions required are highest in Waikato (91%), Manawatū (90%), Gisborne (85%), Northland (80%), Auckland (73%), and Taranaki (72%). Multiple contaminants: Some areas require the load of more than one contaminant to be reduced by more than 30%. Load reductions of over 30% are more likely to require some change of land use or intensity. Load reductions of over 30% for two contaminants are required in 24% of the land area of New Zealand; for three contaminants in 6% of land area; and all four contaminants in 2% of land area. Report: Nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and Escherichia coli in New Zealand’s aquatic receiving environments: Comparison of current state to national bottom lines. Ton Snelder, Hugh Smith, David Plew, Caroline Fraser. LWP Client Report 2023-06, November 2023 https://ourlandandwater. nz/outputs/comparison-ofcurrent-state-to-nbls/

infrastructurenews.co.nz 25

SUMMER 2023/24

Have we opened the door to cheap imported wool The requirement for Government agencies to select woollen fibres over synthetic alternatives in their buildings is significant, but has the potential to benefit sheep farmers overseas at the expense of their New Zealand counterparts, Bremowth Chief Executive Greg Smith says

atest data shows the Government is New Zealand’s largest property owner – with over 16,000 buildings valued at over $31bn. A new Government directive to prefer the use of woollen fibres in its buildings has the potential to transform the rural sector, however, it could also open the door to cheap imports. Greater clarity is needed to understand whether the intent of the move is to sup26 infrastructurenews.co.nz

port NZ’s rural economy, reduce the use of plastic materials in construction, or both. The move has the potential to double the price of wool farmed in New Zealand however there is a question over where a government-specified product would fit within free trade agreements with other countries. While NZ wool is considered ideally suited for carpet production by inter-

national manufacturers, the new policy may see volumes of cheaper imported options become available here. With climatic conditions that produce less rainfall, New Zealand sheep grow a whiter wool that is easier to colour than the more yellow fibres found in wetter climates such as the UK. As a result, New Zealand produces a higher quality wool that sells on the open market for around 20%

more than British wool. If Government procurement policies allowed for imported woollen fibre building products to access this market we would see few real benefits for New Zealand, other than a reduction in the use of plastic. It would be soul-destroying for farmers in the sector to see one imported product replaced with another in the construction of publicly owned buildings. What we need right now

SUMMER 2023/24

is greater clarity around the parameters of this policy and recognition of the inherent tax benefits to the economy when we support local. The move has the potential to address conflicts in international perceptions of New Zealand’s approach to sustainability. NZ grown wool is prized overseas however has not received the same recognition locally. We have an unusual situation where New Zealand wool has been woven into the fabrics used on Air Force One, however, if the US President or any of the numerous other foreign dignitaries who have flown on that aircraft were to enter a Government building in this country, they would most likely be walking on imported synthetic carpet. When we talk to potential export partners in new markets they are dumbfounded by the fact that our Government does not use our wool in its buildings. They find the whole concept quite conflicted as New Zealand is known for its sheep production. We might want to be known for spaceships and rockets and

technology and gaming but that’s just not what we are known for and it’s unlikely we will ever shed that image. Despite record low numbers of sheep being farmed there is sufficient wool supply in the market to scale up production to accommodate a surge in demand. It is difficult to overstate the potential economic benefits of this move for the sector – this has the potential to be one of the most significant changes in the wool industry since synthetic alternatives were introduced two decades ago. At that time the market went from 90% wool to 90% synthetic carpet. The sector hasn’t recovered from this trend and the number of sheep in NZ fell by 2% last year to 23 million, the lowest ratio of sheep to people in New Zealand we have had in the past 150 years. Ten years ago wool was trading at twice that of what it is today and it is quite possible we could see a return to this pricing. This would result in a seismic shift in the farming landscape – no longer

loss-making, we would see new entrants come into the market as sheep farming becomes viable again, not just for the sale of meat. A movement of this magnitude would have flow-on benefits throughout the economy – from the local vet to the shearer’s crew and everyone in between. Thousands of tenants living in New Zealand’s public housing could also benefit from the use of wool in the construction of their homes. There are around 69,000 state-owned houses in New Zealand, around 3% of the residential housing supply, with thousands more expected to be built over the coming years. Potentially every publicly owned house could have a wool carpet flooring and a recycled carpet underlay – at the same time, wool insulation can be used under the floors as well as in the walls and ceilings. In contrast with synthetic textiles used in construction, wool is a natural product that requires less chemicals and is naturally fire retardant. Woollen carpets are also hypoallergenic and regulate humidity by absorbing moisture when

the air is moist and releasing it when the air is dry. We will now have the opportunity to build stateowned housing that may help create a healthy living environment for some of our most vulnerable. The move is a significant credibility boost for wool and will result in greater investment in research and development and could lead to the production of more sustainable construction materials. The new Government policy will lead to a significant reduction in the amount of plastic waste entering our landfills. As the use of wool as a building material grows, we can expect to see more investment in the development of new materials and alternatives to synthetics. Examples of these innovations include the use of waste wool in biodegradable weed and mulch mats which release nutrients as they break down. In addition to their local use, these new products will also find their way into export markets.

infrastructurenews.co.nz 27

SUMMER 2023/24

Sponsored Article

Sun safety

When working in the summer, it’s important to protect yourself from over exposure of sun and UV-rays, which can cause painful sunburn and potentially lead to skin cancer. An estimated 90,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year in New Zealand, according to the Cancer Society. • Slip on sun-protective clothing - cover up with UV rated, breathable clothing that complies with your PPE requirements, such as lightweight long pants and long sleeve shirts. • Slop sunscreen on exposed skin - wear broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF30+ sunscreen. Apply 15 minutes before to sun exposure and remember to reapply at least every two hours. • Slap on a hat – wear a hardhat that has a front or wide brim and neck flap to protect your head, face, and neck from the sun. • Wrap on tinted glasses - wear closefitting, wrap-around style safety sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and other hazards. • If you notice any unusual skin changes or see a spot or mole that is different from others, get it checked by your doctor.

Keeping cool and hydrated

Hard work on a hot summer’s day can cause our body to become dehydrated, leading to sweating, headaches, weakness, nausea, confusion, feeling dizzy, and fainting. 28 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Working in Summer With December marking the start of summer in Aotearoa New Zealand, it's important to be aware of the extra health and safety hazards that come with working outside. Here are some tips to help you work smarter over the coming summer months. If you’re exposed to too much heat for too long, you could be at risk of heatstroke, where your body is unable to cool itself down. Heatstroke is an emergency and needs to be treated immediately. • Keep hydrated by regularly drinking water and avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you more. • Wear lightweight clothing if it’s safe to do so – be sure to comply with your company’s clothing and PPE regulations. • Try to limit or avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and during the hottest part

•

of the day, plan to do work in the shade. Take regular breaks from physical work to avoid overheating.

•

Fatigue

Good weather can mean longer working days to get a job done, but ignoring the signs of fatigue and tiredness can lead to real risk. • Schedule and take regular breaks, and extra ones when the job feels harder than usual due to the weather. • Monitor and place limits around overtime – if you need to work longer hours, consider staggered start and finish times,

•

and longer breaks and periods off work. Always use the right tools for the job. Handling vibrating tools can increase fatigue, so consider switching to low-vibration tools or machinery if possible. Look out for your own safety, and the safety of other workers. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you think someone needs to take a break.

For more health and safety tips for working in summer, visit www.sitesafe.org.nz

SUMMER 2023/24

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infrastructurenews.co.nz 29

SUMMER 2023/24

0-day trial periods have been in place previously for employers to assess new employees for suitability. They give new employees the opportunity to prove themselves, their skills, experience, and other attributes. For the 564,000 small to medium sized enterprise (SME) businesses that employ twenty or less employees and represent 97 percent of businesses in NZ, the implementation of the 90-day trial period can be a challenge. An issue that arises when introducing this into a business or managing any employment process is that many of the SME businesses have little or no documented employment processes in place, nor do they have the time or the internal resources to manage this important aspect of business. This is one of the single major reasons why so many SME business end up in time wasting and costly employment disputes. Many businesses engage with costly employment specialists, with franchise HR consultants, or do nothing and take the risk. This does not have to be the case.

The employment process for probationary management

The following are several

Return of the 90day trial: what you need to know The newly elected Government intends to re-introduce 90-day employment trial periods, but is this a good and commercially safe way for employers to take on new personnel? easy-to-follow steps of an employment process. It is not intended as a complete list, but should be the minimum requirements that any SME business has in place for a systematic progress to minimise

the risk of getting the employment process wrong. An important part of this process is the maintaining of your employment records in either hard copy or cloud-based media.

The key actions throughout any employment process are to take your time and communicate.

Gordon Anderson,

Hasmate Ltd Managing Director gordon@hasmate.co.nz Gordon has created over 200+ safe/standard operating procedures, 150+ forms, and other documentation over the 26+ years he’s worked in the health and safety industry, providing New Zealand businesses with practical methods and a commonsense approach to the development and implementation of compliance management systems. Health and Safety Management System New Zealand | Hasmate 30 infrastructurenews.co.nz

SUMMER 2023/24 Steps Action 1.

The ideal person description

The job description

Support notes This is a critical document and should be developed for all positions within the business. If done correctly, it will also act as the checklist for when applicants are interviewed. Does the business have an organisational chart? The job description is a document that requires a lot of thought as it is important for you and the applicant to know what they are going to be responsible for, who they are accountable to and how performance will be measured. This document becomes part of your annual staff review process.

The application for employment

The skills, qualifications and experience check list

The interview and selection process

This is another critical document that sets out a wide range of questions with required answers for the employer to use in their assessment for selecting a short list of likely applicants for the position. Concerning the Privacy Act, the questions you ask must only be relevant to the position that is being applied for and information that should be known to the applicant. For example, if the position requires that products or services be selected by colour, then the candidate can be asked if they are colour-blind, as it is relevant to the quality of the work/services, for instance an electrician working with different coloured wires. This checklist is not mandatory but something we have used with our clients with positive success. It is usually attached to the application for employment. It is a great way to capture the experience and skills that a prospect may have for the new position. If completed correctly this will also act as the checklist for when applicants are interviewed and could be applied if there is a future performance issue. This does not have to be complicated but should be undertaken in a formal and appropriate setting. All the information previously completed by the applicant can then be used for the interview process. Any outcomes from this meeting should be recorded and filed in the employee’s personal file. This a mandatory obligation of all businesses with costly consequences if not completed prior to engaging the employee. If the employee is to have a probationary period as part of their engagement, then this must be stated in this agreement.

The employment agreement

If this is included, I would recommend that you also include a copy of the probationary assessment form that outlines the areas that the employee will be assessed against for the probationary reviews, then there are no surprises for both parties. As the employment agreement is legally binding, it is open for negotiation between both parties and not a take it or leave it discussion which too often is the case. Of the many stated inclusions, the statement about health and safety is paramount as this can become the saving grace for any employer, considering the proposed changes to the 2015 H&S Act, regarding responsibility and accountability.

The induction process

If your business has this process in place, it should never be a, “read this and you will understand” exercise. It should be a structured process so that the new employee understands the company’s requirements and has access to the induction information and supporting policies with which they must comply. This is the area where so many get it wrong. Do not leave this review meeting till the end of the 90 days or when things go wrong.

The probationary review process

Set the performance assessment dates for an assessment for every month for the 90 days and tell the employee of these date and the procedure for the reviews. Use the probationary assessment checklist for this process and be prepared to listen, provide feedback, positive and constructive ideas for improvement, listen and to act on any ideas for the business. You might well be surprised what you learn about your business and identify areas for improvement. infrastructurenews.co.nz 31

SUMMER 2023/24

Physical threats & abuse widespread in construction A study of psychosocial hazards in New Zealand construction businesses has revealed that workers are being abused and threatened, while health and safety leaders face huge challenges

he study collected over 30,000 data points from construction businesses around the country and was led by Dr Steve Cantwell of safety software company SaferMe. The work was co-funded by ACC via its Workplace Injury Prevention innovation programme, and supported by CHASNZ (Construction Health & Safety NZ) and Civil Contractors NZ. Among the set of six key findings published: – Verbal abuse and physical threats are common – One in four workers avoid reporting injuries – Health & Safety leaders suffer low levels of support, more workplace bullying and poor role clarity SaferMe’s report follows on from the publication 32 infrastructurenews.co.nz

of the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum’s State of a Thriving Nation report, which showed New Zealand’s workplace death rate is double Australia’s, with deaths and injuries costing the country $4.4 billion per year. “Psychosocial hazards increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries; as well as making workers more likely to be absent or to leave a business. It’s certainly contributing to our abysmal statistics as a nation, and more needs to be done to understand and address psychosocial hazards,” SaferMe founder and CEO Clint van Marrewijk says. “Our team led by Dr Cantwell has taken a very thorough process to

examine these challenges in construction and other sectors, and we’re now helping businesses to measure these problems and fix them, “ van Marrewijk says. CHASNZ Chief Executive Officer Chris Alderson says the study could help shape a better future for construction work. “Robust evidence-based studies such as that undertaken by Dr Cantwell and SaferMe provide the construction industry with valuable insight into how to create a better future for our construction workforce. There are instant and implementable takeaways for construction businesses around the value of fostering collaborative and supportive workplaces as well as reducing known

psychosocial risk factors.” SaferMe is now focused on helping further industries and individual businesses to measure and address psychosocial hazards in their workplace with its Safety Snap tool, developed with co-funding from ACC. Safety Snap is an evidence-based tool that helps a business understand the psychosocial challenges affecting staff on their worksites in less than one minute per week. More information on Safety Snap is available at www.safer.me/features/ safety-snap/ Key Findings document is able to be downloaded from this link.

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Industry leader in soft fall protection on construction sites

SUMMER 2023/24

Massey University rigorously tested all elements of the Safety Nets NZ system

ith the enactment of the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) it became apparent that there was a need to assure customers that they comply the requirements of the Act in safety measures for fall arrest. “We needed to have our system independently analysed, engineered and ultimately certified. This meant that not only did the individual components of the safety net fall arrest sys-

tem have to be tested, the performance of the safety fall arrest system as a whole also needed to be studied,” says General Manager Craig Daly. A team at the School of Engineering and Technology at Massey University tested a variety of drop heights and weights, different bracket centres, various net sizes and points where the load strikes the net. “It even tested nets of different ages and repaired

nets, with the results being collated and analysed to effectively confirm that our safety fall arrest system works,” says Daly. “This enables PCBU’s to discharge their responsibilities in regard to the requirements of the in the use of a system that is without risk to the health and safety of it’s workforce.” When the nets have been installed and inspected by a Safety Nets NZ team and a handover certificate

completed by our certified rigger, the client can then commence works above the safe area of the net. “All of our safety documentation has been produced in such a format as to ensure that it complements the overall site safety policy and manual that the Principal Contractor is required to establish on all projects,” says Daly. Click here to read inspection guidelines

Safety industry pioneer Safety Nets NZ has developed national standards in association with WorkSafe NZ, ensuring risk from falls is minimised for your construction workforce. • New Zealand owned and operated • Nationwide network of local installers • Dedicated to building site safety North Island 0800 NETSNZ (638 769) South Island 0800 NETS4U (638 748)

www.safetynetsnz.co.nz

infrastructurenews.co.nz 33

SUMMER 2023/24

Safer, faster, multipurpose telehandlers

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The introduction of game changing 360-degree rotating telehandlers looks set to disrupt the infrastructure, civil and construction industries

he days of needing on site a mobile crane, a boom lift or other types of elevated work platforms, a forklift and an excavator are numbered - one machine can do it all. Rotating telehandlers may look a lot like their conventional cousins, but they are very different. Their arrival on New Zealand work sites has completely changed the way project management is planned and the way on34 infrastructurenews.co.nz

site work is completed in a safer and faster manner. They load material, pick it up, drive to where it’s needed and then unload. The rotating telehandler can then pick the load, rotate and place the materials where needed. The concept originated in Europe, where the majority of urban construction sites are very compact and do not allow room for traditional telehandlers. “Rotating telehandlers have taken North Ameri-

The world’s highest rotating telehandler – RTH6.51 (six-ton lift) has an impressive 51-metre reach (not pictured) ca by storm and over the past 18 months have been attracting a lot of attention in New Zealand,” says APS general manager Darren Boon, agents for Magni, one of the most technologically advanced brands of rotating telehandlers in the world. “As technology has improved so has the reach and lifting capacity of these

type of machines. On a multi-level construction site, a machine with a five-tonne lift and 26-metre reach would usually have been the standard,” says Boon. “Now machines are available for bigger projects with heavy lift capability up to 13 tonnes and machines with a reach of 51 metres.”

SUMMER 2023/24

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Replacing a tower crane with a rotating telehandler.

n Auckland private building company has purchased a Magni rotating telehandler in favour of hiring a tower crane for the construction of a four storey apartment block in West Auckland. The rotating telehandler meets most of their lifting requirements for the crane work, with a larger mobile crane only being bought in to lift the heavy pre-cast panels. Having the ability

to easily swap attachments between winch and a set of forks the machine can pick and carry around the building site for more efficient lifting or the unloading of trucks. All deliveries from the building supplier can be ordered on flat-deck trucks which means quicker delivers and savings of up to $150 per delivery by not waiting for Hiab/crane truck to become available.

MAGNI ROTATING TELEHANDLERS - SAFETY

The safety of the operator and people nearby is paramount The Load Movement Indicator (LMI) system is a load limit device. It is fitted as standard on all Magni telescopic handlers (RTH, TH and HTH ranges). It is made up of a rotation sensor, stabiliser cable reel, lifting cylinder pressure sensors and the LMI safety control board. Together, these components provide the operator with the best real-time load chart. This system continuously analyses the spatial positioning of the load and stores specific load charts for each attachment, displaying the correct load chart based on the machine’s working configuration. The LMI system constantly monitors the movements of the machine to avoid any type of overload. If the system detects operating inconsistencies, it interrupts all aggravating movements, allowing only safe maneuvers (boom retraction and load release). This prevents operator error causing serious injury to themselves and nearby staff. Every telehandler is equipped with the R.F.ID automatic attachment recognition system on the boom head. Whenever a new attachment is fitted to the machine it is recognised automatically and the display shows the corresponding load chart.

infrastructurenews.co.nz 35

SUMMER 2023/24

Awards demonstrate steel industry’s ability to innovate The winners of 2023’s Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) Excellence in Steel Awards have been announced, showcasing a commitment to innovation, best practice and collaboration

ach year, the task of judging becomes increasingly difficult. This year, 21 finalists were selected from a pool of 32 impressive submissions, 36 infrastructurenews.co.nz

which demonstrate the remarkable design and execution possible when steel is used as the primary construction material. “The high calibre of

entries is testament to the industry’s ongoing commitment to raising the bar,” says SCNZ Chair David Moore. He notes there has been widespread emphasis

on best practice amongst structural steel contractors and a drive to adopt global initiatives such as Industry 4.0. “Our local industry has

SUMMER 2023/24 also maintained its programme of investment in new cutting-edge plant, machinery and technology. These advances in technology have made it possible to construct highly complex steel structures that were previously out of reach,” says Moore. “The high standard of projects is also a reflection of the professionalism demonstrated by the fabricators, builders, architects and engineers that collaborate to bring these projects to life.”

of straddle cranes. The machines are capable of stacking containers four high, compared to the

lington’s strict engineering requirements and suit the existing footprint of the site, the team used 300x25mm

The 2023 winners are: Supreme & Over $3M Category Winner: MJH Engineering for One Whitmore Street Occupying a full city block, One Whitmore Street is a landmark 12-storey office tower in Wellington. The 17,500sqm building with its 1,420sqm floorplates and soaring threemetre-high ceilings will be the new home of the BNZ. The structure is designed to withstand Wellington’s unpredictable weather, with a convex profile and rounded corners that help to counter the city’s strong winds. The diagrid structure, with its diamond-patterned exterior, provides structural integrity while eliminating the need for excessive internal columns. Inside, the building boasts a six-metre-high entry lobby and expansive floorplates that capture natural light and provide panoramic views of the harbour. $1.5M-$3M Winner: VIP Structural Steel for LPC Straddle Crane Workshop The new workshop and wash bay will improve the Lyttelton Port Company’s ability to maintain and operate its brand new fleet

three-high limit of the old cranes. This investment increases the port’s capacity for incoming containers. Structural steel is the only material that could deliver the large openings required for the pre-made 21m-high roller-doors. With the doorjamb columns for fixing the fast-roller-shutter doors, an impressive 2.5mm deviation was achieved over the 23.5m full-height columns. $500K-$1.5M Winner: All Steel Services for Tryp Hotel The 1930’s art deco, heritage-listed hotel boasts 77 striking hotel and studio apartments, and the largest luxury penthouse in New Zealand. The project involved significant strengthening work on the existing heritage site in Wellington’s CBD and an additional three-level extension was added above. To meet Wel-

square hollow sections more than 11m high to support the extension. An additional 150t of steel structure and K-braces were used to support the cross-laminated timber flooring and erect all three levels in a fourweek window. Under $500K Winner: Cambridge Steel Fabricators for Cambridge Tree House The architecturally stunning Cambridge Tree House blends seamlessly with the beautiful Waikato landscape, offering expansive views of its surroundings. The treehouse was designed and engineered to be lifted into an existing stand of mature trees, making maximum use of the landscape while minimising its environmental impact. The entire structure sits on one, small concrete footing. The central steel supporting

column contains hatches to hide all services to the treehouse. The curve of the staircase is particularly intricate, curving upward and outward from the base to the treehouse level. Earthquake Strengthening Winner: Jensen McArley & Associates and Jay Cee Welding for HB Central The Hallenstein Brothers building in central Auckland was built in 1912. Earlier this year, work to preserve and restore it was completed. Thanks to structural steel, this elegant and historically significant building is enjoying a new lease of life. The primary structural deficiency was the building’s lack of bracing in the transverse direction; an entirely new bracing system was required. The solution was concentrically braced frames. The new, fully exposed painted frames are a striking feature of the refurbished heritage building, creating a raw yet tidy and robust finish. Standalone Residential Winner: Black Steel Mobile for Ōrākei Basin Home The street-facing façade of this impressive Auckland home features an artistic zigzag design, offering spectacular views over the Ōrākei Basin. Built over a swimming pool, structural steel is used to support the house. Yet, the pool is not the highlight of the build. The focal point is the innovative design of the stairs with its attached screen. Not only was it designed to be a stunning architectural feature, the screen also forms an integral part of the home’s structure.

infrastructurenews.co.nz 37

SUMMER 2023/24

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SUMMER 2023/24

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Chemical safety relies on meaningful cooperation Expanding government-industry partnerships to help business operators should be a no brainer. Inviting enquirers to read the regulations falls well short of educational expectations Increasing community concerns about vulnerability to unwanted chemical exposure and damage to our fragile environment places additional pressure on both suppliers and users of the chemicals.

Barry Dyer Chief Executive Responsible Care NZ

oday, chemical suppliers and their customers continue to adjust to the Covid operational environment. They struggle with supply chain delays, the loss of experienced staff, frustration with unanswered queries to risk-averse authorities, inflexible and prescriptive regulations, rising compliance costs, diminishing resources and increasing public chemical safety expectations. While 130,000 businesses are reportedly captured by the Hazardous Substances and Major Hazard Facilities regulations, the official mantra of “600-900 persons seriously harmed each year by unwanted exposure to chemicals in their workplace” presumably applies to all of the country’s 530,000 workplaces.

We all need to sustain and improve our quality of life and these products must be safely managed throughout their life cycle. Downgrading the flawed but effective HSNO Certified Handler requirement has inadvertently undermined an invaluable capability. The action deprived businesses, particularly SMEs, of an immediate and recognisable source of workplace chemical safety and compliance advice -- a safe chemical handling capability and emergency response knowledge – critical when a chemical incident occurs. PCBUs and SMEs must now devise their own solutions to ensure employees are competent to safely handle the chemicals with which they work. Chemical industry leaders are moving away from relying on lagging indicators of safety performance in favour of identifying safer work practices and work-

places, by responding to workers’ suggestions about improvements. Conscientious business operators can add value by sourcing accurate, cost-effective workplace chemical safety advice and compliance tools from their suppliers, industry partners and Responsible Care NZ. A proven strategy is government agencies collaborating with proactive industry associations to best achieve workplace safety aspirations. The problem is that SMEs rarely join associations.

However, they all obtain their chemical requirements from suppliers and can benefit from product stewardship advice and cost-effective industry compliance initiatives. Responsible Care NZ extols less regulation in favour of enabling business operators to be increasingly self-sufficient, using cost-effective products and services such as site compliance assessments and specialist training. The focus is keeping people safe around the chemicals we encounter every day by adding value to businesses.

Responsible Care is a global voluntary chemical industry initiative developed autonomously by the chemical industry for the chemical industry. Chemical suppliers continue to help customers achieve workplace chemical safety aspirations through product stewardship initiatives. To help solve the in-house chemical compliance dilemma in New Zealand, Responsible Care NZ delivers specialist and cost-effective Certified Handler standard training, complete with a certificate. Responsible Care NZ site compliance assessments are non-threatening, effectively capturing and assessing chemical safety performance in a variety of workplaces. +64 4 499 4311 info@responsiblecarenz.com www.responsiblecarenz.com

infrastructurenews.co.nz 39

ELECTION 2023

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QUESTAPARTMENTS.CO.NZ 42 safetynews.co.nz