When you think of workplace hazards, factories and construction sites often come to mind. Growing research suggests our homes may harbour a silent threat: silica dust. Silicosis, the lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles, is normally associated with mining or stonecutting. However, the increasing popularity of quartz and engineered stone for kitchen and bathroom […]

In July, RNZ reported that building and construction minister Chris Penk wants to roll back upgrades to insulation and glazing requirements introduced by the previous Labour government. The standards save a new home an estimated 40 percent on heating.  Per correspondence released to RNZ under the Official Information Act, government experts told Penk that the […]

The nation’s property market continues to shift in favour of buyers and renters, albeit at a snail’s pace. The proportion of properties resold for profit declined even further in the second quarter of 2024. CoreLogic NZ’s latest Pain & Gain report shows that in Q2 2024, 92.1 percent of properties were resold for more than […]

While comfort and practicality are the most important considerations for tradies’ attire, a little attention to the way we dress can boost confidence and a sense of professionalism. Above all, industry professionals must prioritise function over fashion, but achieving both is certainly possible. Your clothes need to withstand tough working conditions. Speaking of, our nation’s […]

According to the latest NZIER (New Zealand Institute of Economic Research) Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO), a net 35 percent of firms expect the general economic outlook to deteriorate over the coming months. The NZIER report points to a further decline in business confidence in the June quarter as higher interest rates continue to […]

Through on-the-job training and regular guidance, BCITO is developing tomorrow’s skilled workforce, creating futures for dedicated tradies alongside industry employers. Ben O’Connell spoke with BCITO director Greg Durkin about building the people who build New Zealand. With over 25 years of experience in vocational education, Greg strongly advocates for the positive outcomes education can deliver […]