1. travel
2. tourist destinations
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ISSUE 10
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
GET YOUR JULY 2012 SKILLS MAINTENANCE POINT!
WHY SAFETY
AT WORK MUST
COME FIRST
HOW TO CAPITALISE
ON CUSTOMER
REFERRALS
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NEW BENCHMARK
FOR NEW ZEALAND
TRADE ONLY:
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TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND
FOREWORD
Dollars and sense
As workloads increase, remember that safety should never take a back seat!
Live to work or work to live? While most of us probably prefer the
latter, it sometimes seems that tight timelines, customer expectations
and strict budgets drive a fair share of decisions – often in the
opposite direction. When this happens, a number of important
things are compromised. Outside of work, that can be family life,
hobbies and exercise; on the job, it can mean you don’t have time
to step back and assess your business and, critically, whether you’re
following the correct safety procedures.
According to Department of Labour (DoL) stats to date, 46 workers
have died on New Zealand construction sites in the last five years.
This was enough to inspire Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson to allocate
$37 million to improving workplace health and safety over the next
four years. I firmly believe we should take notice, too.
As Ms Wilkinson put it: too many New Zealanders are injured or
killed at work; people have a right to know that when they or their
loved ones leave for work in the morning, they will come home safely
at the end of the day. I couldn’t agree more.
Our sector’s employers
and employees need
to realise it’s never
worth doing a job in
unsafe conditions
To make sure this happens, our sector’s employers and employees
need to realise it’s never worth doing a job in unsafe conditions.
Pressure to finish a job due to delays or customer/management
demands are not reasons to risk your livelihood or your life.
The overall trend for new dwellings continues to rise and as workloads
increase – which is something we all want – remember that planning
and efficiency are safer and more productive than cutting corners.
The Licensed Building Practitioner scheme gives a new sense of
professionalism to the industry and we as a sector should embrace
workplace safety to the same degree.
John Beveridge
Chief executive
Surf-mad Whangarei branch operator Bob Ward was drawn to Northland’s waves
when he came to New Zealand but it was for a local girl that he laid down roots.
Originally from California, Bob arrived in Whangarei in 1988 and managed the local
Hertz office for several years. Thirteen years ago, he joined PlaceMakers Whangarei
as finance administration manager.
He is now responsible for 40 staff between three locations – Placemakers Whangarei,
PlaceMakers Mangawhai and the manufacturing plant.
“I love New Zealand and I love my job,” says Bob. “We have a very loyal clientele
and I would consider nine out of ten customers mates you could go fishing, surfing
or have beers with.”
CONTENTS
NEWS
6
2
LBP
Third round of seminars in the works
3
OFFCUTS
Helping out Habitat for Humanity; PlaceMakers
takes a stand against prostate cancer; Support
for a special project; Sponsorship success;
Monster Tool sale winner
12
INDUSTRY NEWS
Record numbers at Certified Builder’s
Conference; Stats NZ – house consents rising;
Workplace safety funding boost; Homestar
‘home health checks’ raise awareness
22
PRODUCT NEWS
Multitools to hand; Unison joins PlaceMakers;
Stiffen your timber; 4Ah batteries last 33%
longer on the job
FEATURES
10
14
6
DBH
Still waiting on your LBP licence?
Last-minute rush causes delays
8
BRANZ
How the rules stand around timber treatment
10
SITE SAFE
Don’t take risks on the worksite
– know how to stay safe!
14
CCANZ
Finishing the slab
– curing and finishing techniques
16
DOL
Scaffolding – the right way to get high
18
BUSINESS
COACHING WORKS
How to get customer referrals
20
HOMESTAR
New Zealand’s first 7-star showhome
OTHER STUFF
24
24
SPORT REPORT
Hayden Paddon honoured on Motorsport NZ
Wall of Fame
25
MURRAY DEAKER
Olympic anticipation escalates
25
SKILLS MAINTENANCE
Grab your LBP skills maintenance point
– you’ve earned it!
ISSUE 10 > JULY 2012
> PUBLISHER > DCL
Corporate Publishing > ENQUIRIES > [email protected]; (04) 384 5618
DCL Corporate Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of Under Construction magazine may be published without the express permission
of the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed or imagery in Under Construction magazine are not necessarily those of PlaceMakers or the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for
the suggestions of the contributors or conclusions that may be drawn from them. Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the correct
use and selection of any tools, materials and systems followed, as well as the following of any laws or codes or standards that may apply.
1
LBP
SKILLS MAINTENANCE
Helping to point the way
Education, discussion and skills maintenance – our second run of seminars has delivered on all
fronts, according to builders who’ve attended. Watch this space for details on the next round!
Council officials join seminar presenter Paul Alsford on stage at the PlaceMakers skills maintenance seminar in Petone, Lower Hutt
P
laceMakers’ second round of
skills maintenance seminars is
now complete and, hopefully,
most of your questions have been
answered and any confusion
cleared up.
“It was a fantastic round of seminars
for all involved,” says seminar
presenter Paul Alsford. “The
seminars’ success was highlighted by
the Q&A session between attendees
and local council officials, which
provoked some interesting debate
and worthwhile discussion.
“It also helped LBPs prepare for and
better understand the obligations
surrounding Restricted Building
Work (RBW).”
Several builders who attended
the seminars said they appreciated
PlaceMakers’ commitment to industry
training.
“It’s brilliant that PlaceMakers
organises events like this,” said
Duncan Davidson, who attended
the seminar in Petone. He has been
in the building industry for 17 years
and holds a carpentry licence.
2
“The guys I’ve spoken to really appreciate
[PlaceMakers’] effort to provide opportunities to
help us gain our required skills maintenance points”
– Duncan Davidson, carpentry LBP
“The guys I’ve spoken to really
appreciate the effort to provide
opportunities to help us gain
our required skills maintenance
points.”
With two successful rounds of
seminars completed, PlaceMakers
is already planning the next round
for later this year.
“The focus will be on building and
business, as the two go hand in
hand,” says Paul. “New regulations
require builders to be much more
business-focused and I want to make
sure they are prepared for that.”
With Building Act Amendment
No. 4 and a review of the
Construction Contracts Act pending,
Paul will also ensure attendees are
kept up to date on the changes and
how licensed building practitioners
(LBPs) will be affected.
PAUL’S REMINDER:
Keep an eye out for the DBH’s consultation on a whole range of issues
relevant to the industry. As LBPs, you are the professionals in the industry
and have much to offer. Let the Government know your thoughts, ideas
and suggestions, as they are invaluable to helping decide where building
and construction heads in the next few years.
OFFCUTS
Picnic project
Nothing is quite as satisfying as using
something you’ve created yourself
T
hanks to Auckland Frame &
Truss’ (AFT) generosity and
advice, Somerville Special
School students had the opportunity
to build that satisfaction themselves –
in the form of picnic tables.
The students, who are particularly
stimulated by practical work, decided
building picnic tables for the school
would be a fun and useful project
and approached AFT for help.
The team at AFT were more than
happy to contribute, donating timber
and offering safety advice.
The students proudly test their homemade picnic table
“The students have built two picnic
tables now and really enjoyed working
on them. They were amazed with the
finished product, as was the school
principal and other staff members,”
says support teacher Rajesh Lal.
Having refined their design and honed their
skills, the students are currently planning to
build more tables for use around the school.
Sponsorships score big time
PlaceMakers’ picks prove popular
P
laceMakers’ Big Angry Fish
launched on TV3 on 29 April
and by its second episode
was already a top-rating fishing
show on television within its target
demographic!
“We’re very pleased with the show’s
performance,” says PlaceMakers
brand and strategy manager Maria
Reinbergen, “especially considering
the show is technically in an ‘off-peak’
slot at 5.30pm.”
As the content gets even stronger,
the show’s co-host Milan Radonich
believes it will become a “must-see”
for all fishing enthusiasts.
“It’s aimed at 90% of NZ anglers, who
might not realise just how rewarding
it can be to fish the really shallow
harbours along their coastlines – and
catch bigger fish than they’ve ever
caught before!”
PlaceMakers’ Super Rugby sponsorship
is going from strength to strength, with
a huge increase in TV viewership and
attendance at the games for this year’s
competition. According to Radio NZ,
PlaceMakers Saxton Road’s innovative promotion of Super Rugby and Big Angry Fish
TV viewership is up 33% on last year
and the average gate is up 37%.
The reinvigorated interest in New
Zealand’s national game is no doubt a
result of the All Blacks’ success at the
2011 Rugby World Cup. Despite a few
hangovers after that nail-biting month,
Kiwis seem keen to keep watching.
3
OFFCUTS
Helping out Habitat for Humanity
They say there’s staunch support in Canterbury – that goes for charity, too
P
with the project.
laceMakers Antigua Street is
right behind the Canterbury
The Antigua Street store recently laid
rebuild. As well as meeting the
on a bbq lunch when the patron of
needs of local tradies, the store is the
the charity, New Zealand Governormain supplier to Habitat for Humanity,
General Sir Jerry Mateparae, visited
a not-for-profit organisation repairing
one of the worksites to lend a hand.
50 houses in the green zone in
Aranui, South Brighton, North Beach,
“As a patron, having some skin in the
Riccarton, Hoon Hay and Redwood,
game is important for me. I didn’t just
belonging to homeowners who are
want to view the work they [Habitat]
disabled, elderly or without insurance. were doing; I would prefer to give
PlaceMakers account manager Gavin
Whitta also put Habitat for Humanity
in touch with funding from the Fletcher
Building Canterbury Fund which
resulted in a donation of $30,000 to
help buy tools for volunteers assisting
them a hand,” said the GovernerGeneral, who installed some Gib
board and helped man the barbecue.
To find out how you can get involved,
or to make a donation, go to
www.habitat.org.nz
Sir Jerry Mateparae and Mark Harding from PlaceMakers
Antigua Street man the barbecue
PlaceMakers’ stand
against prostate cancer
Free prostate cancer checks appreciated at Certified Builder’s Conference
A
Anyone
can win!
Time to take a trip!
L
ong-time Queenstown local and
PlaceMakers customer Bruce
McDonald was thrilled to win
one of five National Monster Tool
Sale prizes for $5,000 worth of
domestic travel.
PlaceMakers Queenstown’s Rachel
Mansfield had a certificate made up
to celebrate his win and “showcase
someone local winning such a great
national promotion”.
4
ttending the Certified Builders
Association’s annual conference
means two things for Ellie
Cragg – keeping up to date with
industry changes and making sure
her father, Terry, gets his prostate
cancer check at the PlaceMakers
booth.
Close to 400 tradespeople attended
the 2012 event held at Te Papa in
Wellington on 18-19 May,
where PlaceMakers administered
70 blood tests to grateful attendees,
a service they’ve provided for the
past four years.
“It’s so impressive that PlaceMakers
takes the initiative to do this.”
Certified Builders chief executive
Grant Florence specifically thanked
PlaceMakers efforts in his speech at the
end of the conference and encouraged
anyone who hadn’t been tested to make
it a priority.
Terry, a PlaceMakers Cook Street
customer, filled out his paperwork
under the watchful eyes of his
daughter as Aotea Pathology’s
Sherralyne Dewhirst prepared to
conduct the private test.
“I make him do it every year,” says
Ellie. “The only time he would get
tested would be here – otherwise he
wouldn’t bother.
Terry Cragg was all smiles ahead of his prostate cancer check
from Aotea Pathology’s Sherralyne Dewhirst
FEATURES
DBH
Building our reputation
The LBP scheme can instill greater consumer confidence
and raise the status of New Zealand’s construction industry
New assessors have been employed to help with the backlog of carpenter and roofer applications and they should be under control by the end of June
N
ew Zealand’s building and
construction sector is the fifth
largest in the country, employing
157,000 full-time employees, or 8%
of the economy. In the last ten years,
14% of all new jobs have been in the
sector. It also contributes 4% of the GDP.
With these statistics, the importance
of the sector to the economy and
New Zealanders can’t be ignored.
Not only does it provide the safe,
quality houses and buildings we rely
on every day, it is also an important
economic driver with the potential
to become New Zealand’s economic
powerhouse.
6
www.dbh.govt.nz
That is why having practitioners that
meet the required competencies of their
specialist trades is so important. The
Licensed Building Practitioner scheme
gives a new sense of professionalism
to the industry and recognises the
specialised skills practitioners have.
SKILLS MAINTENANCE
However, deputy chief executive
Alison Geddes says being licensed
is just part of the equation. Keeping
practitioners up to date with new
initiatives and changing requirements
is an important part of them remaining
licensed.
“The maintenance points system has
been devised to ensure that practitioners
are keeping up to date with things like
changing code requirements and any
developments in the sector. It’s about
learning best practice and applying it.
“We are currently undertaking a review
of Occupational Licensing, to make
sure the points system is the best
way forward. We want our building
professionals to undertake ongoing
educational development and, of course,
keep up with technological advancements.
The new system is about lifelong learning,
because it opens up so many more
options for our tradesmen.”
GETTING LICENSED
Ms Geddes encourages those
practitioners who have not yet applied
for their licenses to do so. To avoid
delays in processing applications,
ensure all forms are complete when
submitted and any additional relevant
information is securely attached.
There is currently a delay in issuing
licences because of extremely
high demand. New assessors have
been employed to help with the
backlog caused by the high volume
of last-minute applicants.
“We’ve already cut through the backlog
for some of the trades, with just roofers
and carpenters still experiencing longer
delays,” said Ms Geddes.
“For roofers, the wait for new applicants
is around three to four months but we
expect to cut into that substantially in
the next few weeks.
“We are putting extra effort into these
areas and expect to have the backlog
under control by the end of June.”
MEETING EXPECTATIONS
Ms Geddes does not expect licensing
delays to affect any current construction
projects, with the number of licences
issued already meeting or exceeding
the estimated numbers of tradespeople
required around the country. She asked
those still waiting for their licence to be
patient.
The new skills maintenance system is about lifelong learning; keeping up to date with developments in the sector is crucial
“It is important we don’t cut corners
when undertaking the assessments.
We want people to know that all LBPs
have met the required competencies,
that they have been rigorously
assessed and that consumers can
have confidence in them, the process
and the ongoing maintenance of
licences,” said Ms Geddes.
“The maintenance points system has been devised
to ensure that practitioners are keeping up to date
with things like changing code requirements and any
developments in the sector” – Alison Geddes, DBH
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
1)
a b c
What percentage does the building
and construction sector contribute to
New Zealand’s GDP?
a) 4%.
b) 54%.
c) 50 Cent.
2)
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
a b c
The maintenance points system has been
devised to ensure:
a) P ractitioners can be graded on how well
groomed they are.
b) P ractitioners keep up to date with
changing Building Code requirements and
developments in the sector.
c) Practitioners are kept busy when work is low.
3)
a b c
Which two LBP licence classes are
experiencing the longest delays?
a) R
oofers and bricklayers.
b) R
oofers and carpenters.
c) H
GV and forklift drivers.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
7
FEATURES
BRANZ
Extra-high wind zones
A new wind zone category – extra-high – has been added in the revised NZS 3604:2011
Timber-framed buildings, and the amended E2/AS1
T
he extra-high (EH) wind zone
category allows design for a
wind speed up to 55 m/s. This
means more buildings come within the
scope of NZS 3604:2011 and E2/AS1;
specific engineering design-classified
buildings are beyond the scope of those
documents.
AREAS OF CHANGE
Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, a
companion to NZS 3604, was revised
to align with the changes. The extra-high
wind zone has been added to E2/AS1
Table 1. Buildings designed to E2/AS1 in
the extra-high wind zone also require:
•Rigid wall underlays under all claddings.
•A cavity behind all claddings.
•Bigger upstands and covers to flashings.
•Seals under head flashings.
the depth of the cavity is maintained and
remains functional in high wind, and
helps protect the internal linings from
excessive air pressure changes.
Table 3 (note 6) also states that directfix corrugated metal profile cladding is
regarded as a drained cavity system,
which means it must also be installed over
a rigid wall underlay in extra-high wind
zones.
The extra-high (EH) wind zone
category allows design for a
wind speed up to 55 m/s. This
means more buildings come
within the scope of NZS
3604:2011 and E2/AS1
RIGID WALL UNDERLAYS
E2/AS1 Table 3 (note 5) and paragraph
9.1.7.2 require that claddings in extrahigh wind zones must have a rigid wall
underlay and be installed over a drained
cavity. The rigid underlay ensures that
Figure 1 – Hooks and hems to metal flashing edges
8
www.branz.co.nz
•Have the flexible wall underlay folded
into opening reveals as shown in
E2/AS1 Figure 72B.
•Have cavity battens at 600 mm centres
maximum.
•Be finished flush with the underside of
the bottom plate or bearer.
E2/AS1 paragraph 9.1.7.2 also requires
that a rigid wall underlay is installed to
the external walls of attached garages
that are unlined, and it references
E2/AS1 paragraph 9.1.3.4(c).
FLASHINGS
•Be either 7 mm thick, H3 plywood or 6
mm fibre-cement sheet.
Flashing requirements differ for extra-high
wind zones. E2/AS1 paragraph 4.5.1
requires that hooks and hems as per
E2/AS1 Figure 5 (see Figure 1) are used
for the edges of flashings, and flashing
upstand dimensions are increased by
25 mm over those shown in Table 7 or
referenced anywhere else in E2/AS1.
•Have sheet edges fixed over solid
framing.
E2/AS1 Table 7, which sets out general
flashing dimensions, has been revised and
•Roof underlay to all masonry tiles.
•Changes to the detailing of profiled
metal roofs.
•Have a flexible wall underlay fixed over
the rigid sheet (note that proprietary
rigid wall underlays may not require
the additional flexible wall underlay,
but must be submitted for consent as an
Alternative Solution).
Rigid wall underlays must be in
accordance with Table 23, and
paragraph 9.1.7.2 sets out other
requirements including that they must:
now includes an extra column for wind
zone situation, i.e. situation 3, which
applies to all roof pitches in an extra-high
wind zone.
WINDOW HEAD TREATMENT
Window heads in extra-high wind zones
require a sealant between the underside
of the metal head flashing and the top
edge of the window head flange in
accordance with E2/AS1 Figure 71(c)
(see Figure 2).
ROOF UNDERLAY WITH MASONRY
TILES
All masonry tiled roofs in very high (VH)
and extra-high (EH) wind zones require
roof underlay regardless of pitch in
accordance with E2/AS1 Table 10
(note 2).
PROFILED METAL ROOFING
E2/AS1 Tables 11–15, which set out
maximum spans and fixing patterns for
profiled metal roofs, have been changed
to incorporate fixings for extra-high wind
zones.
Flashing requirements for eaves have
changed so that eaves flashings are now
required for all roofs in extra-high wind
zone or where the pitch is less than 10°
and the soffit width is less than 100 mm,
in accordance with E2/AS1 paragraph
8.4.11 and Figure 45(a) (see Figure 3).
A change of roof slope is not permitted.
ATTENTION!
Are you a building contractor who
pays levy fees through a consent
authority? If so, then you are entitled
to a free subscription of BUILD
magazine from BRANZ. Simply email
[email protected] to
check that you meet the required
criteria and get your subscription.
Figure 2 (top) – Window head flange to flashing sealant; Figure 3 (bottom) – Eaves flashing detail
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
4)
a b c
What does rigid underlay NOT do?
a) Make the building bulletproof.
b) Ensure the depth of the cavity is maintained
and remains functional in high wind.
c) Help protect internal linings from excessive
air pressure changes.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
5)
a b c
What is direct-fix corrugated metal profile
cladding regarded as?
a) T he height of fashion.
b) A drained cavity system.
c) A bit of a mouthful.
6)
a b c
Masonry-tiled roofs in very high (VH) and extra-high
(EH) wind zones require what?
a) Extra glue.
b) Roof underlay.
c) Guy ropes.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
9
FEATURES
SITE SAFE
Why risk it?
Workplace accidents are an unfortunate reality in the construction
sector – but they don’t have to be so common
Don’t be a statistic – take care of yourself at work!
I
magine having to inform a worker’s
family that he/she won’t be coming
home tonight, or any other night,
because of an accident at work. This
is the reality that many employers
and employees face when a worker
has been killed or seriously injured
due to a workplace accident.
According to the Department of Labour
(DoL), there were four deaths and 661
serious harm notifications in New Zealand
last year in the construction sector – that’s
approximately two workers per day!
Site Safe’s Jason Steer runs health and
safety training courses for the construction
industry almost every day; he comes
across the same answers every time
he asks why builders take risks at work.
“I have seen it time and time again,
where workers will take unnecessary
10
www.sitesafe.org.nz
To reduce the number of accidents, construction
industry employers and employees need to realise it’s
never worth doing a job in unsafe conditions
risks just to get a job done,” says Jason.
“Whenever I ask why they take such risks,
the answers are invariably the same: ‘the
boss said I have too’, ‘the job has to be
done and nobody else will do it’, ‘we’re
behind time, so I have to do it this way to
catch-up’, ‘I can’t be bothered using my
safety gear, as it takes longer to set up
than to actually do the job’ or ‘I’m under
so much pressure at the moment, I have
to make the time up somehow’.”
To reduce the number of accidents,
construction industry employers and
employees need to realise it’s never
worth doing a job in unsafe conditions.
“Unfortunately, a culture exists that if an
employee says no to an employer, that
employee will lose his/her job,” says
Jason. “Personally, I would rather lose
my job than risk the possibility of being
disabled for life or even becoming one
of the fatalities.
“Why would you want to work for, or
with, someone who obviously doesn’t
care about your safety and wellbeing?
After all, it’s your life you are protecting
Examples of risk-taking
The task
Working on
a stepladder
The wrong way
(the risk)
The right way
• Standing on or above the
second rung from the top
of a ladder
• Using ladders without ALL
stays in place and locked
• Ensuring the ladder is
the right size for the job
• Using an Elevated Work
Platform (EWP)
• Only using ladders that
are complete (all of the stays
are in place) and making
sure the stays are locked
Working
at height
• Working near a unprotected
fall edge
• Make sure edge protection
(guardrail) is in place, or
correct PPE is worn (harness)
Manual
handling
• Carrying heavy objects on
your own
• Using mechanical plant
such as forklifts
• Asking for someone to
assist you during the lift
Noise
• Working in a noisy
environment without
hearing protection
and you shouldn’t be forced to endanger
it for anybody.”
Firing an employee for refusing unsafe
work is against the law. DoL stipulates that
employers must provide a safe workplace
with proper training, supervision and
equipment. This duty includes identifying,
assessing and managing hazards and
investigating health and safety incidents.
For this reason, employees should feel
confident pointing out hazards to their
employer. They have the right to refuse
work likely to cause them serious harm.
• Using correct PPE
(hearing protection)
• Moving away from the
area until the noise stops
However, it’s every employee’s
responsibility to take reasonable care
to keep themselves safe and to avoid
causing harm to other people by the
way they do their work.
a b c
If you need to move a heavy object,
you should:
a) Do plenty of weight training.
b) Get someone else to do it.
c) U
se mechanical plant or ask someone
to assist you.
consequence far outweighs the incentive
and, therefore, the risk won’t be taken.”
In order to reduce incidents and
injuries, Jason says the construction
sector attitudes and work culture need
to change dramatically.
Creating and promoting a strong
safety culture within a company (whether
large or small) can help prevent injuries
to workers and reduce the high costs
associated with compensation, insurance,
repairs, investigation and potential
down time.
“We need to start looking at the big
picture and ask ourselves: ‘what is the
outcome going to be if this doesn’t go
to plan?’ You might even find that the
Employers should ensure their employees
follow the rules at all times; exceptions
should not be made just because the
pressure is on.
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
7)
How not to do it!
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
8)
a b c
If your employer asks you to ignore
safety procedures to finish a job, what
are you advised to do?
a) R
efuse to do the job unless safety
procedures are followed.
b) Do whatever your employer asks.
c) Make your employer do the job.
9)
a b c
When is it OK to ignore safety
procedures?
a) When a build is behind schedule.
b) W
hen you are confident in your own
strength and experience.
c) Never.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
11
INDUSTRY NEWS
Record turnout for CBANZ conference
Industry developments and inspiration headline two-day event
T
he biggest changes to the building
industry in 50 years saw a record
number of builders attend the
2012 Certified Builders Association
of New Zealand’s (CBANZ) annual
conference in Wellington.
Close to 400 Certified Builders attended
the two-day conference at Te Papa,
where speakers discussed industry
developments and tradespeople
attended educational workshops that
ranged in topic from contract changes
to the latest useful phone application.
The conference theme ‘Good to Great!’
was backed by an inspirational speech
from Shaun Quincey, who was the
first person to row solo from Australia
to New Zealand – the second solo
crossing of the Tasman after his father,
who completed the reverse trip in 1977.
“Shaun’s amazing journey took
two years of detailed planning and
preparation – this precision took
him from good to great and is an
inspiration for our builders to take the
same approach,” said CBANZ chief
executive officer Grant Florence.
400 Certified Builders attended the two-day conference at Te Papa
Minister of Building and Construction
Maurice Williamson also covered a
number of issues facing the construction
industry, including Building Amendment
No. 4, which includes a range of
measures designed to help consumers
hold building practitioners to account.
“Unfortunately, one of the legacies of
the leaky homes disaster has been
that many New Zealanders have
lost confidence in the building and
construction sector,” said Mr Williamson.
“That has to change.
“My goal is a building and construction
sector that New Zealanders can
have confidence in, that is operating
efficiently and is made up of people
and businesses, who take pride in
and stand behind the quality of their
work.”
Overall trend for new dwellings continues to rise
Value of residential building consents up $95 million from April 2011
Y
ear-on-year new dwelling
consents for April 2012
were well up on the same
month in 2011 – unadjusted
numbers were up 33%, or 22%
excluding apartments. Removing
seasonal fluctuations, the number
of consents approved was well
down on the previous month.
However, overall the trend for
new house consents issued over
the last year continues to rise.
12
last year, the value of residential
building consents in April rose
$95 million (27%) to $449 million.
The value trend shows an increase
of 28% since May 2011, the most
recent low point.
Seasonally adjusted figures fell in
April, compared to March, which
had seen large increases and the
shift reflects the volatile nature of
this series.
Increases in dwelling consents
occurred in 11 of 16 New Zealand
regions, compared to only one in
April 2011. The increases were
led by Auckland and Canterbury;
Auckland new dwelling consents
were up 101 to 360, Canterbury
up 84 to 282 and Waikato up 48 to
152 new dwellings. Southland, Bay
of Plenty, West Coast and Nelson
showed low single-digit decreases.
Compared with the same month
Non-residential building consent
values were down $24 million (9.4%)
on the same time last year. Six of 11
building types decreased in value,
the largest decreases being in hostels
and boarding houses, offices and
administration buildings and shops,
restaurants and taverns.
The trend for all building consent
values (residential and nonresidential) is up 17% since
March 2011, following 15 months
of decreases. The unadjusted
value of all consents for April was
$677 million. For the year ended
April 2012, the value of consents
was $8,979 million, up 1.8%,
for all buildings, and $5,284, up
2.1%, for all residential buildings.
Workplace safety to get funding boost
Construction industry targeted for reform
W
orkplace health and safety
will get a $37 million boost
over the next four years and
the construction sector will be a major
focus, according to Labour Minister
Kate Wilkinson.
She has also ordered a full review
of New Zealand’s health and safety
system by an independent taskforce to
ensure it is fit-for-purpose.
“Too many New Zealanders are injured
or killed at work. People have a right
to know that when they leave for work
in the morning, they will be coming
home safe and well at the end of the
day,” said Ms Wilkinson.
“Construction is one of New Zealand’s
biggest industries but also one of the
most prone to serious workplace harm.
Between 2002 and 2009, the fatality
rate for the construction industry actually
quadrupled. More than 45 workers
have died on construction sites in this
country over the last five years. This
is unacceptable and has to change.”
The extra funding will be used to
“More than 45 workers have died on construction
sites in this country over the last five years.
This is unacceptable and has to change”
– Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson
increase the number of front-line health
and safety inspectors to 180 over three
years, further fund the High Hazards
Unit, support targeted health and safety
initiatives and develop ICT to improve
data sharing and analysis.
“I have set a target of a 25% reduction
in workplace deaths and serious injuries
by 2020,” said Ms Wilkinson.
“Workplace health and safety needs to be
seen as an investment that leads to better
performance. Safety is not a trade-off for
productivity – the two go hand-in-hand.”
Ms Wilkinson said the independent
taskforce, once established, will be
asked to report back by the end of the
year with fresh ideas to improve the
20-year-old system.
The extra funding comes from
contributions to the Health and Safety
in Employment levy.
Homestar’s ‘Home Health Check’ initiative
Kiwis take interest in ‘green’ home improvements
T
housands of Kiwi homeowners
are taking practical steps to
improve the health of their
homes, according to Homestar, the
government and industry-backed
environmental rating tool for
New Zealand homes.
Homestar director Krista Ferguson
said more than 11,000 homes across
the country have now been assessed
through the organisation’s online
‘home health’ test, boosted by the
recent Home Health Check Month
initiative supported by PlaceMakers.
The free online test at www.homestar.
org.nz covers insulation, heating, water
usage, waste management, ventilation
and other factors important to healthy,
warm, comfortable and efficient homes.
The test calculates a rating from one
to ten stars, as well as creating a
Recommendations Report with practical,
cost-effective improvements specific to
each home, with the majority of homes
achieving 4 stars or less.
“With the increasing interest we are
seeing from homeowners in improving
their home’s health, we can see this
average rating shifting upwards in
future as the building industry responds
to consumer demand,” she said.
“If overseas trends are to be believed,
homeowners and potential buyers are
willing to pay a premium for higher
rating homes of 5% or more, so it’s
worthwhile for the building industry
to take notice.”
Ms Ferguson said one of the key
reasons Homestar was created was
to provide practical guidance to help
Kiwis create healthier, more comfortable
living spaces before they begin
renovations. This will deliver a cost
benefit both in the short and long term.
An increasing number of Kiwis are getting
insulation fitted in their homes
13
FEATURES
CONCRETE
The finishing touch
Timing, attention to detail and correct technique are key to producing quality concrete flooring
W
orking with concrete requires
more than just laying it where
you want it and then walking
away – correct finishing is essential and
must be done properly to avoid wasting
your time and effort
HOW SHOULD THE SLAB BE FINISHED?
• Wet areas should not be steel-trowel
finished (Class U3, NZS 3114:1987
Specification for concrete surface
finishes), as this produces slabs with
poor slip resistance. This may also be
a consideration in areas subjected to
intermittent wetting, such as exposed
concrete kitchen and bathroom floors
or garage floors.
• Finishing operations must not begin
until the slab has stopped bleeding and
has taken on a dull grey appearance,
with no visible surface moisture. It will
be stiff enough to walk on and only leave
a foot imprint of 2-3 mm (see Image).
• Finishing operations must be timed to
ensure that the surface can be worked
without the addition of water or cement
to the surface. Either of these will lead
to a dusting surface or one that will
delaminate as the slab dries.
HOW SHOULD THE CONCRETE
BE CURED?
• In winter, be prepared for significant
delays between placing and finishing.
The common practice of squeegeeing the
bleed water from a slab has two problems:
1. If it is windy, bleed water protects
the slab from plastic cracking.
2. If the removal process mixes any water
into the remaining paste, this paste will
be weakened.
Masonry walls
Fig.1
600
100
Adding cement to the surface to remove
water is not recommended, as it can
lead to delamination. Correct finishing
procedures will produce a very hard,
long-lasting surface. For more details
on correct finishing procedures, contact
CCANZ.
It’s very important that concrete is not
allowed to dry out in its early life, so
apply the curing as soon as the concrete
can withstand the process. The most
effective method for curing concrete
is by water spraying or ponding. The
length of the curing period is stipulated
in NZS 3109:1997 paragraph 7.8.4
and in NZS 3101:2006 Section 3
(see key points below).
800
1200
100
100
800
100
100
The position of the starter bars for masonry walls
requires careful consideration.
• For walls that are non-retaining, vertical starter
bars should be placed in the centre of the wall
and at the required centres along the length of
the wall (see NZS 4229:1999 for non-specific
design). The positions of doorways and windows
need to be set out – vertical starter bars are
needed on each side of every window and door
opening, even if the window is not at slab level.
Fig.2
• The starting point for the first bar at a corner
is typically 100 mm.
100
• The finishing point for the last bar will always
be 100 mm from the corner.
• If the wall is a retaining wall, or a specifically
designed wall, you must check the placing
of the bars both for position within the thickness
of the wall and for centres along the wall, as
they may be set out at 200, 400 or 600 mm.
The starting and finishing point remains at 100
mm from the edge of the corner.
If in doubt, get a registered structural mason
or licensed building practitioner (blocklaying) to
set out the starter bars (see Figure 1, 2 and 3).
14
www.ccanz.org.nz
Fig.3
400
100
recess for
masonry
(when required)
800
100
1,000
100
1,000
100
95 mm for 20 series
70 mm for 15 series
floor level
foundation
Poor curing of floor slabs
can reduce concrete strength
by up to 50% and increase
the risk of random
shrinkage-induced cracking
Using plastic sheeting is a very good
method, as long as it is held in place
and does not permit any wind to get
between the slab and the plastic sheet.
Where exposed decorative finishes
have been created, a curing membrane
method is recommended rather than
plastic sheeting.
Curing membranes must comply
with AS 3799:1998 Liquid membrane
forming curing compounds for concrete
and ASTM C309 Standard specification
for liquid membrane forming compounds
for curing concrete. Poorly applied
membranes and membranes that do not
meet the standards are usually ineffective.
Finishing operations, such as using a power float, must not begin until the slab exhibits the correct characteristics
This article features content from Residential
Concrete Slab-On-Ground Floors, an easy-toread 12-page leaflet that answers some of
the more commonly asked questions and
gives guidance on good practice in relation to
such aspects as slab levels, concrete strength,
the new reinforcing requirements, control
joints, bay sizes, crack minimisation, as well
as placing, finishing and curing techniques.
Curing membranes are not suitable if tiles
or vinyl are to be adhered to the floor.
KEY POINTS
• Poor curing of floor slabs can reduce
concrete strength by up to 50% and
increase the risk of random shrinkageinduced cracking, despite control
joints being saw-cut.
The leaflet is not intended to replace
Clause 7.5 Concrete slab-on-ground floors
for timber buildings of NZS 3604:2011,
or any other related standard.
• Effective curing will improve the
durability and the abrasion resistance
of the concrete.
• The curing period should be at least
three days, but seven days is better.
A longer period may be required, or
shorter period feasible, as prescribed
in NZS3101:2006 or as intended
by the designer.
Content from Standards in the Residential Slab
On-Ground Floors leaflet has been reproduced by CCANZ with permission
from Standards New Zealand under copyright licence 000911.
Any Standard referred to in this publication can be purchased from Standards
New Zealand by telephoning 0800 782 632 or visiting www.standards.co.nz
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
10)
a b c
What is the most effective method
for curing concrete?
a) Water spraying or ponding.
b) Steel trowelling or squeegeeing.
c) Chicken soup and a day in bed.
11)
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
a b c
When are curing membranes NOT suitable?
a) When it’s windy.
b) If tiles or vinyl are to be adhered to
the floor.
c) On decorative finishes.
12)
a b c
Where are starter bars used?
a) In non-retaining masonary walls.
b) In concrete walls.
c) At the beginning of a pub crawl.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
15
FEATURES
Best p
scaff
DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR
Scaffold safety
Scaffolding is a safe and convenient way of working at height – but only if the correct guidelines
are followed. Make sure you’re keeping yourself and your workmates safe onsite!
T
he leading cause of serious injury
and death in the construction
sector is falls from height.
The Department of Labour’s recently
published Best Practice Guidelines for
Working at Height in New Zealand
provides practical guidance about
how to actively manage working at
height to prevent death and injury,
including information on the safe
use of scaffolding.
Scaffolding is a common method
of providing safe work platforms at
height and there are a wide variety
of systems available.
Whichever system you are working
with, all scaffolds should comply – at
a minimum – with Scaffolding, Access
& Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ)
best practice guidelines or equivalent
and should only be erected, altered or
dismantled by persons who have been
trained and have suitable experience
with the type of scaffolding being used.
All scaffolds from which a person or
object could fall more than 5 m, as
well as all suspended scaffolds, should
be erected, altered and dismantled
by or under the direct supervision of
a person with an appropriate Certificate
of Competency.
This work must be notified to the
Department of Labour as particularly
hazardous work. A scaffold register
should be kept on site as a record of
regular inspection.
Where work is performed using
mobile scaffolds, employers should
ensure workers understand that the
scaffold should:
• Be erected by a competent person
and used in accordance to the
manufacturer’s specifications.
• Remain level and plumb at all times.
• Be kept at least 1 m from open floor
edges and openings, unless the edge is
protected to prevent the scaffold tipping.
• Never be accessed until all the castors
are locked to prevent movement.
• Never be moved while anyone is on it.
• Be clear from overhead powerlines.
All scaffolding should:
• Have safe access.
• Have stable foundations.
• Have safe work platforms allowing
enough room to work.
• Be no higher to the top platform
than three times the minimum base
dimension.
Where a scaffold is used as a means
of protecting people working on a roof,
it should be set up in a manner that
prevents a fall from occurring, regardless
of the distance of the fall.
For further information on the safe
selection, erection and use of scaffolds,
including suspended work platforms, refer
to the AS/NZS 1576.1 – 6 Scaffolding
Series, and the SARNZ Best Practice
Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand.
FAST FACT
Scaffold use was recorded as early
as 500 BC in ancient Greece.
Reduce the gap to 100 mm or less
from gutter where practicable.
Maximum permissible 200 mm
from guttering to guardrails
Horizontal guardrail within 200 mm
of roof projection
All scaffolds should be supplied with
adequate information for the user, such
as a scaffold tag or handover certificate.
The information supplied should include:
• Intended use.
• Safe working load.
• Dates of inspections.
• Manufacturer’s instructions for assembly.
• Any special conditions and limitations.
Note: a dogleg brace can be used
to stabilise the extended standard
If a scaffold has been altered, modified,
tampered with and/or appears to be
unsafe, the scaffold should not be used
until it has been checked and certified
as safe by a competent person.
16
www.dol.govt.nz
The D
for t
this i
practice
folding
Proper edge protection
Ladder access
Compliant scaffolding
toe boards
Scaffolding can be used as a safe work platform or to protect people working on a roof
Preventing Falls from Height
This article features content from
DoL’s recently published Best Practice
Guidelines for Working at Height in
New Zealand, which provides practical
guidance to employers, contractors,
sub-contractors, employees and anyone
involved with working at height.
These guidelines have been prepared in
association with 21 representatives from
businesses and organisations in New
Zealand and are generic – it is advised
that they be followed alongside specific
safety rules suited to your particular
working environment. The guidelines
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
13)
a b c
Mobile scaffolds should:
a) R
emain level and plumb at
all times.
b) Remain mobile at all times.
c) B
e used for ‘scaffold races’
down the nearest hill.
provide everyone who is involved with
working at height clear direction on how
to manage the work in a way that will
bring down the death and injury toll.
The guidelines complement the DoL’s
Preventing Falls from Height campaign,
which aims to reduce the number of
injuries and fatalities caused by falls from
height and the impact on individuals
and communities. In real terms, it’s about
preventing the 18-year-old apprentice
from breaking his back while painting a
new house – left unable to walk properly
or play rugby with his mates.
The DoL urges
everyone to
think about
the hazards
associated with
working at
height – before,
during and at
the end of a job. For more information
on best practice when working at height,
check out the Department’s safe working
at height toolkit of six factsheets available
at http://www.dol.govt.nz/prevent-falls/
information.asp or call 0800 20 90 20.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
14)
a b c
All scaffolds should be supplied
with adequate information for
the user, including:
a) Previous owners.
b) Safe working load.
c) A detailed CV.
15)
a b c
How high can the top platform
on a scaffold be?
a) As high as you dare.
b) N
o higher than three times
the minimum base dimension.
c) No higher than 5 m.
Department of Labour takes no responsibility
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
the results of any actions taken on the basis of
www.dol.govt.nz
0800 20 90 20
information, or for any errors or omissions.
17
FEATURES
BUSINESS TIPS
Customer recommendations
The highest compliment a customer can give is a referral – so how do you go about getting one?
The best time to prompt a happy customer for a referral is when they are most satisfied!
W
hen it comes to promoting
your services and generating
more business, a wellestablished rule of thumb is that
‘your best advertisement is always
a satisfied customer’. So, how might
you encourage happy customers
to recommend you?
Repeat business tends to be profitable
business, as returning customers can
bypass preliminary sales processes
that can be expensive and timeconsuming; your company benefits
from reduced costs, while the customer
saves time and stress by not having to
‘shop around’ or deal with unfamiliar
processes.
Satisfied customers will always be
your prime source of repeat business.
As mentioned in last month’s column
[available via the PlaceMakers
website], they also tend to be more
pleasant to deal with. They may also
18
One of the simplest
ways to encourage
repeat referrals is to
always say ‘thank you’
to a referrer
generate ‘referrals’ – word of mouth
recommendations – made on behalf
of your business.
Referrals offer many advantages
to any business, including – but not
limited to – the following:
hey’re more likely to do
[1] T
business
• A s
referred persons have received an
‘independent’ recommendation from
someone they know and trust, they
are more likely to become new
customers than other prospects
[especially those from cold-calling
processes, who may be sceptical
whether an untested supplier will
deliver on their promises].
• In effect, someone who has received
a recommendation will likely contact
you ‘ready to do business’.
[2] T hey’re more likely to be
appreciative – and loyal
• As they have likely been referred
by someone who understands the ‘fit’
between what they are seeking and
what your service delivers, referred
prospects are more likely to appreciate
the value you provide – and thus
become loyal customers
• So, all being well, they are also more
likely to give referrals themselves!
[3] They’re more likely to be
profitable
• There are likely to be fewer ‘teething
problems’ than with other customers, as
referred customers tend to ‘come up to
speed’ faster – reducing frustration and
expense for both parties.
• Also, such new customers are usually
acquired at little or no cost to the
business itself, which can represent
a huge boost in profitability in itself.
So, how can you encourage your
customers to refer your business to
others?
The following guidelines may help:
[1] Be selective
• Referral marketing enables you to
acquire more customers whose needs
‘fit’ the services you provide, giving
you the opportunity to decide which
customer segments you want to grow
(eg: large or small-scale projects,
standard or customised, etc).
• E stablishing appropriate criteria in
advance makes identifying referral
sources much more effective.
[2] Be realistic
• Once you’ve identified potential
referrers, ask a number of key
questions:
a) A
re you confident of being able to
deliver a win:win:win consistently?
There are at least three parties involved
in any referral process – the person
who makes the recommendation, the
person receiving (and acting upon) it
and the business being recommended.
When all three experience a ‘win’, each
relationship is reinforced. This promotes
goodwill, good service and more
referrals. If the business fails to deliver
good service, the opposite is true.
b) Are they a satisfied customer?
Some satisfied customers are more
satisfied than others! Your first priority
is to find those most appreciative
and enthusiastic about the value
you provide to them.
c) A
re they likely to recommend you?
Some customers are more inclined to
give referrals; have they recommended
other suppliers to you? It may not
occur to customers to recommend your
services; a simple (appropriate) prompt
may be all it takes.
d) When is a good time to seek referrals?
The best time to prompt a satisfied
customer for a referral is when they are
most satisfied! This will likely be when
they have just received the benefits
they were seeking, possibly assisted by
you reviewing with them how effectively
you delivered these.
e) How can you seek referrals?
Rather than asking a customer ‘can
you find me more clients?’ – which
may seem a bit direct – ask if they
know anyone who would appreciate a
similar level of service. This creates the
opportunity for the referrer to generate
goodwill for themselves, as well as
business for you – a potential win:win.
a b c
What will always be your prime source
of repeat business?
a) Satisfied customers.
b) Forgetful customers.
c) Angry customers.
[3] Say thank you!
• Repeat business tends to be profitable,
and referrals even more so – repeat
referrals may represent the best of
both worlds!
• One of the simplest ways to
encourage repeat referrals is to
always say ‘thank you’ to a referrer.
• In addition, demonstrating your
gratitude by providing special
treatment – such as a complimentary
additional service – at the referrer’s
next purchase may have the double
benefit of generating both repeat
business and more referrals.
As with any business concept, referral
marketing processes will be most
effective when customised to your
company’s unique requirements and
preferences. In any case, focusing on
maintaining satisfied customers – and
encouraging them to recommend your
services to others – can have very
positive outcomes for all concerned,
‘lifting your game’as well as your profits.
ABOUT BUSINESS COACHING WORKS
BusinessCoachingWorksTM is a service
provided by Evolve Coaching Ltd,
which – since 2004 – has specialised
in enabling individuals, teams and
businesses to be more focused and
effective.
f) S hould you offer an incentive?
Offering incentives or rewards to
existing customers to supply referrals
can be very effective – with some
provisos. Be open with all parties
that incentives are being provided,
to avoid a recommendation being
‘devalued’ by a perception that it
was made for the reward rather than
to have a friend benefit from great
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
16)
service. Also, be wary of the quality
of leads that incentives will generate
– and from what type of customer; as
outlined above, be selective!
If you have any questions about
these issues or would like to
discuss this article in further detail,
please contact Peter de Valda at
[email protected]
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
17)
a b c
When is a good time to seek referrals
from customers?
a) After they’ve had a few beers.
b) When they are most satisfied.
c) Before they see your work.
18)
a b c
What is a good way to ask for a referral?
a) “Please refer me. Please. Oh go on”.
b) “Mind if I borrow your address book”?
c) “ D
o you know anyone who might
appreciate a similar level of service”?
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
19
FEATURES
HOMESTAR
NZ’s first seven-star showhome
Stonewood showhome sets national benchmark for Homestar
A
new showhome in Canterbury,
developed by Christchurchbased Stonewood Homes, is
set to become a national benchmark
for environmental performance on
the Homestar rating scale.
The Homestar scheme is a rating
tool developed by the Green Building
Council and BRANZ, with Government
and industry professionals, to help
raise consumer awareness and
improve the standard of Kiwi homes.
The Tauhini Avenue property in
Lincoln is the first showhome to
achieve a 7-star Homestar rating.
It includes a range of features that
place it considerably above the
level required by the Building Code.
Homestar director Krista Ferguson
says that Stonewood Homes has
now established itself as a clear
leader among large-scale residential
building companies in New Zealand.
Clean and modern living to a high environmental specification inside Stonewood’s Lincoln showhome
“Currently, homes built to the Building Code
achieve a 4-star rating on our scale of 1
(very poor performing) to 10 (world leading)”
– Homestar director Krista Ferguson
“The leadership that Stonewood
Homes has shown with this home sets
a high benchmark in the New Zealand
market, which is good news for the
ongoing development of the country’s
housing stock,” says Ms Ferguson.
“Currently, homes built to the Building
Code achieve a 4-star rating on
our Homestar scale of 1 (very poor
performing) to 10 (world leading).
Stonewood Homes has shown great
initiative, building a home that takes
warmth, comfort and efficiency
features to a much higher level.”
Stonewood Homes managing director
Brent Mettrick – a current and founding
board member of the New Zealand
Green Building Council – says he sees
the new showhome as a key step in
bringing a greater understanding of
Homestar to those wishing to build.
“The minute you step into this house,
you can see that a high Homestar
rating doesn’t need to come at
the expense of a great-looking,
comfortable home,” says Mr Mettrick.
“This is a beautiful, practical house
with all the mod cons, but the real
20
www.homestar.org.nz
difference will be apparent to the
eventual owners when they start to
reap the rewards of lower energy bills
and the health benefits of a warmer,
drier home.”
Features of the home that helped
it achieve the seven-star rating
include:
FLOOR
• In slab and perimeter foundation
insulation.
• 100% pure wool carpet helps keep
the home warmer and drier by
naturally absorbing and releasing
moisture.
WALLS
• Insulation rating from a minimum
of 3.28 to 4.26 R, depending on
the cladding system.
• House clad in eco-ply for additional
bracing.
ROOF
• Colorsteel with 4.26 R insulation.
WINDOWS
• Thermally broken window suite
with double-glazed, argon-filled
glazing units.
• Insulated garage door. • Double-glazed Cedar entry door.
HEATING
• Ducted heat pump system.
WATER HEATING
• Heat pump water heating with ring
main supply.
LIGHTING
• HERS-rated, energy-efficient system.
Green growth
Quality and value driving green building market
McGraw-Hill Construction. “When
on the five-year forecast for overall
Homestar director Krista Ferguson
builders are able to offer homes that
construction.
is convinced that a recent report on
not only are green, but also offer
quality
and
value
driving
growth
in
How Stonewood’s showhome acheivedThe
seven
stars
report reveals that two of the key
the combination of higher quality
the green building market, released
factors driving this market growth are
and better value, they have a major
in the US, will likely become a trend
1) Rainwater harvesting to toilets, laundry and irrigation.
Non-toxic
the fact that green homes12)
are
seenpaint.
as
competitive edge over those building
in
New Zealand within a few years.
2) Level entry to exterior doors gives easy access to buggies andhaving
wheelchairs.
Ring they
main water system.
higher quality and13)that
traditional homes.”
3) Chemical-free
framing. Construction
ater-efficient plumbing fittings conserve water.
The
McGraw-Hill
save consumers money. 14) W
4) Thermally broken window joinery for a warmer home.
15) Foam-sealed windowsMs
reduce
heat loss. said that while it may
Ferguson
SmartMarket Report estimates that the
5) Surface-mounted, low-energy lighting reduces heat loss.
Poly-insulated internaltake
doors New
keep theZealand
warmth where
it’s needed. a bit
“In the current residential16)
market,
consumers
green
homes
share
of
the
construction
6) Future-proofed wiring for keeping pace with technology.
17)to
Sustainable timber and
recycled to
cement.
there
is
an
enormous
need
longer
demand
greener
options, the
market
was
17%
in
2011,
equating
7) Insulated foundation perimeters keep the home warmer and drier.
18) S ound
livinghas
area.already begun and being
differentiate for consumers,”
saysinsulation to main
trend
to
billion,
is heat
expected
8) O$17
verheight
doors forand
passive
transfer. to
19) WELS-rated
help reduce
water those
wastage.demands is a step
Harvey Bernstein, Vice President
of tapware toable
to meet
rise
to 38% by
2016
– insulation.
potentially a
9) Double-layered
ceiling
and wall
20)
Responsible
contracting
keeps
construction
waste to afor
minimum.
10)
V
ented
extractor
fan
to
all
wet
areas
for
a
drier
home.
in
the
right
direction
NZ builders.
Industry Insights and Alliances at
$87b to $114b opportunity – based
11) Energy-efficient appliances keep power bills down.
Driving green growth
Quality and value driving green building market
based on the five-year forecast for
overall construction.
Homestar director Krista Ferguson
is convinced that a recent report on
quality and value driving growth in
the green building market, released
in the US, will likely become a trend
in New Zealand within a few years.
The report reveals that two of the
key factors driving this market growth
are the fact that green homes are
seen as having higher quality and
that they save consumers money.
The McGraw-Hill Construction
SmartMarket Report estimates that the
green homes share of the construction
market was 17% in 2011, equating
to $17 billion, and is expected to
rise to 38% by 2016 – potentially
a $87b to $114b opportunity –
“In the current residential market,
there is an enormous need to
differentiate for consumers,” says
Harvey Bernstein, Vice President
of Industry Insights and Alliances
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
19)
a b c
What is the Homestar scheme?
a) A
n environmental rating tool
for homes.
b) A new reality TV show.
c) The same as House of the Year.
20)
at McGraw-Hill Construction. “When
builders are able to offer homes that
not only are green, but also offer
the combination of higher quality
and better value, they have a major
competitive edge over those building
traditional homes.”
Ms Ferguson said that while it may
take New Zealand consumers a bit
longer to demand greener options, the
trend has already begun and being
able to meet those demands is a step
in the right direction for NZ builders.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
a b c
What Homestar rating would a home built
to the current Building Code receive?
a) A
smiley face.
b) Four stars.
c) Five stars.
21)
a b c
Features of a highly rated Homestar
home would include:
a) An observatory.
b) A wood burner.
c) Double-layered ceiling and wall insulation.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
21
Stiffen
your timber
Reinforcement for holed-out floors
T
he LUMBERLOK Floor Joist
Stiffener (FJS) has been
developed to retain timber floor
joist strength when holes have been
drilled to accommodate underfloor
pipes and services, according to
LUMBERLOK.
This solution is suitable for timber joists
up to 290 mm deep, with maximum hole
sizes up to 126 mm in diameter and
can be fitted either before or after any
piping has been installed by applying
either nails or screws as outlined in
the FJS brochure.
Because the FJS product is fitted to
the face of each joist, four per joist
hole, this one-sized LUMBERLOK product
can be used for a selection of timber
joist sizes and holes without interfering
with flooring material or under floor
ceiling.
The LUMBERLOK Floor Joist Stiffener can be used for a selection of timber joist sizes and holes without interfering
with flooring material or under floor ceiling
FJS are manufactured from Z275
galvanised material which satisfies
the B2 durability standard, assuming
that these are applied within a typical
mid floor enclosed environment.
This product is packed eight per carton,
which covers two joists, and available
at your local PlaceMakers.
Innovative 4Ah batteries released
DeWalt and Hitachi promise 33% more run-time and battery life
A
re you looking for more run
time from your batteries? If
so, you’ll be pleased to hear
that DeWalt and Hitachi – two of
the most innovative and top-quality
power tool companies around –
have released the much-anticipated
4Ah 18V battery onto the market.
The new 4Ah batteries are compatible
with existing 18V slide chargers
Because they retain power for longer over a single
session, 4Ah batteries need less charges over their
working life, which means their lifespan will be longer
and both DeWalt and Hitachi
claim they last 33% longer between
charges than existing types. That
not only means greater convenience
for you but also a 33% longer lifespan
than your existing batteries.
Because they retain power for longer
over a single session, 4Ah batteries
need less charges over their working
life, which means their lifespan will
be longer.
You will already see 4Ah batteries
in new products on the shelves of
your local PlaceMakers; you can also
purchase 4Ah batteries individually
to upgrade your existing equipment.
DeWalt and Hitachi have released their own 4Ah 18V batteries
23
SPORT REPORT
Framed by their success
Paddon and Kennard join gallery of greats on Motorsport NZ Wall of Fame
R
ally aces Hayden Paddon and
John Kennard have claimed yet
another accolade – being inducted
into the MotorSport New Zealand Wall
of Fame at the annual Motorsport NZ
Awards in May.
Established in 1994, the Wall of Fame
pays tribute to those whose achievements
or contributions to motorsport have
brought New Zealand to the world stage.
“It was unexpected and hugely
humbling,” said Paddon.
“There are not many who make the
Wall and those who do are well-known
names, who have achieved a lot in
motorsport around the world; to be
alongside them is quite an honour.”
Despite his modesty, Paddon,
from Geraldine, and Kennard, from
Blenheim, should feel right at home on
the Wall of Fame. Since joining forces
in 2006, they have won back-to-back
New Zealand Rally Championships
in 2008 and 2009, and in 2011
claimed the Production World Rally
Championship (PWRC) – the only
southern hemisphere team to do so.
“Paddon and Kennard have formed
an outstanding team and are fantastic
ambassadors for New Zealand
motorsport, we are delighted to honour
them in this way,” said Shayne Harris,
President of MotorSport New Zealand.
Hayden Paddon said he and John Kennard were proud but surprised to join the likes of Possum Bourne,
Scott Dixon, Greg Murphy and other greats on the Motorsport NZ Wall of Fame
“There are not many who make the wall and
those who do are well-known names, who have achieved
a lot in motorsport around the world; to be alongside
them is quite an honour” – Hayden Paddon
“Despite a generous age difference,
they work extremely well together
and have reached milestone after
milestone, bringing New Zealand
rallying to the forefront internationally.”
Paddon also received the Rally
Founders Trophy for a record fifth
year in a row, awarded to the
rally competitor who performs with
the highest distinction nationally
or internationally and acts as an
ambassador for the sport.
Despite the accolades, Paddon and
Kennard have not lost sight of their
current goal of winning this year’s
Super 2000 World Rally Championship
(SWRC). After two rounds, including
a maiden win in Portugal, the pair are
ranked second as they head into their
favourite event, Rally New Zealand,
June 21-24.
The team has also launched its new
2012 range of merchandise, including
team caps, shirts, jackets, model cars
and more, available on its website
at www.haydenpaddon.com
24
Paddon gets some valuable seat time driving a 2WD Ford Escort in the Classic Challenge at
Rally of Otago. Photo: Geoff Ridder.
SPORT REPORT
Golden generation
The lead-up to the London Olympics is one of high hopes and anticipation
as New Zealand goes armed with some hot medal prospects
T
he London Olympics aren’t far
away now, running for just over
two weeks from 27 July to 12
August. I can’t remember there being
so much anticipation so early on
in New Zealand about an Olympic
Games; most of my listeners and
viewers wake up to the fact they
are on at the very last minute.
Maybe it is a sign of our maturity as
a sporting nation that more people
are starting to take more interest in
a wider range of sports. I think the
media is playing a valuable role in this
development – Sky TV certainly gives
us the opportunity to follow athletes
much closer and for an extended period
of time than we’ve been able to in
the past. Sky subscribers will also get
extensive coverage of the Games,
with five channels broadcasting 24/7.
EARLY KICK-OFF
It all kicks off, literally, when our
Football Ferns take on Great Britain
on 25 July (yes, the schedule is so
packed that they have to start before
the Opening Ceremony has even
taken place!).
While the place of many team sports
remains debatable at the Olympics,
I’m hopeful the likes of our men’s and
women’s hockey sides can continue
the promising development they’ve
shown in the last few years. I’d be
thrilled if one of these teams could
sneak a medal of any sort.
One of the fascinations for me also,
is that, barring injury, I can’t ever
remember us entering an Olympics
with gold medal prospects as hot as
shot putter Valerie Adams and our
men’s coxless pair Hamish Bond and
Eric Murray.
Lisa Carrington trains hard in preparation for the canoe sprint event at the London Olympics
I can’t ever remember us entering an Olympics with
gold medal prospects as hot as shot putter Valerie Adams
and our men’s coxless pair Hamish Bond and Eric Murray
by considerable margins. Let’s hope
they remain healthy and provide us
with a base to once again punch
above our weight on the world stage
and pick up a handful of golds.
ONES TO WATCH
If there are two people I’ll be cheering
home more than anyone else from the
comfort of the couch, it’s Mahe Drysdale
and Lisa Carrington. Hopefully Drysdale
can get the Olympic Gold medal he truly
deserves – we all remember vividly how
illness prevented him from being in the
hunt at Beijing, yet he bravely battled
through the pain barrier to pick up a
consolation bronze.
If Lisa Carrington can secure gold in
the K1 200m, expect this to be a lifechanging fortnight for her – she is
potentially more marketable than our
Golden Girl of 2004 Sarah Ulmer, whose
first place at Athens seems to have set
her up for life. Carrington will be in the
medal hunt – I just hope that she comes
home with a gold, for her sake as much
as the sake of the nation.
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE POINT
JULY 2012
✃
HOT FAVOURITES
There’s no denying we’ve had
favourites in the past, including
Adams herself, but these are two
disciplines in which these athletes
are in amazingly dominant form and
beating their opponents consistently
IF YOU’VE READ THIS ISSUE OF UNDER
CONSTRUCTION FROM COVER TO COVER,
PLEASE CUT OUT THIS VOUCHER AND FILE
IT, TO CLAIM ONE SKILLS MAINTENANCE
POINT FOR YOUR RECORD OF LEARNING.
25