The 2016 New Zealand Architecture Awards were announced at an event in Wellington on Friday 11 November. Twenty-eight buildings and structures have won honours in the leading architectural awards programme, which recognises the best work across all the types of projects designed by New Zealand’s architects. The awards jury, led by Christchurch architect Jasper van […]

New name reflects change in the utilities sector. Responding to rapid change in the New Zealand utilities sector, the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner (EGCC) becomes Utilities Disputes, Ltd today, November 1, 2016. “This change is an important evolution,” says Hon. Heather Roy, Chair of Utilities Disputes.  “As providers innovate and expand their offerings, Utilities Disputes […]

Queenstown-based company MAXRaft has been recognised as Queenstown’s top up-and-coming business at the 2016 Westpac Queenstown Chamber Business Awards. The award-winning company took home the Destination Queenstown Best Emerging Business Award at a gala dinner this weekend, and was also a finalist in the SIT Excellence in Construction, Trade or Services Award category. The judges […]

A new research report on the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes has revealed that current minimum requirements for insulation under New Zealand’s building code are not the most cost effective. The research shows millions of dollars are set to be saved through higher standards of insulation.   Across all New Zealand cities, insulation levels […]

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang Timely payments in the construction sector is the bloodline for the sector. A late (or no) payment is fatal to the contractor or subcontractor.  Section 20 of the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (“Act”) sets out the mandatory requirements for valid payment claims which, if unpaid, could provide the basis […]

By Marcus Bathan With new legislation comes new confusion. As an ambassador for Health and Safety training I hope to bring you information that will help in thoroughly understanding the new Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and how it relates to your business and industry. I will break down the HSWA Worker Engagement, Participation […]