Despite the high level of contracting work available in many parts of the country, as we play catch up on past under investment in infrastructure, civil contractors are facing some big challenges with low margins, uncertain forward work programmes, ongoing industry restructuring and a shortage of skilled people. I have been on a steep learning […]

You only have to read any job forecasting report to know the construction industry is buoyant, with Seek construction job ads for May up by almost 40% in Auckland alone. The latest findings from The National Construction Pipeline Report (MBIE, 2016) confirms the sector is experiencing steady growth.  New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) Chief […]

FloorNZ is the trade association for the flooring industry.  We have two main functions – membership services and training for the industry. Unlike other trade associations FloorNZ is also the owner of a Private Training Establishment, the Allied Trades Institute, which is approved by NZQA to run national qualifications for the industry.  We work in […]

Introduction The residential building contract is an agreement between two or more parties to complete building work in exchange for some consideration. Such contracts can take a number of forms, they can be written or verbal, but if the essential elements of a contract exist then they are enforceable by law. In most residential building […]

Health & Safety legislation has undergone a significant change with the passing of the Health & Safety at Work Act and subsequent regulations made under that Act. The Health and Safety at Work Act changed the focus from compliance by managing hazards to managing Risk. Despite our best efforts, fatalities and serious injuries continue to […]

Deciding on your new timber joinery, whether for a new or existing home, is a complex decision. Timber joinery is timeless in appearance and will suit modern architectural or traditional building methods. But not all timber joinery is created equal. There is quality timber joinery and there is cheap timber joinery, but there is no […]