ACENZ, Engineering New Zealand and LawHawk are working together to test automation of our common industry documents, such as the Short Form Agreement (SFA). Early indications are that an automated solution could achieve time savings of 75% or more.   Continue reading

Vector have recently found a large number of buildings being constructed too close to power lines, poles, switches and transformers. It is very important that all buildings and structures comply with the Electrical Code of Practice for Safe Electrical Distances (NZECP34). This is enforced by WorkSafe and protects people, property, vehicles and the network. Continue reading

Heritage EQUIP is a nationwide programme that provides funding and advice to the private owners of heritage buildings that require earthquake strengthening, and, as you may already know, the Government recently announced new strengthening incentives specifically for heritage building owners in regional centres. Continue reading

The Construction Directory is the Ministry of Education’s national panel of 100 pre-qualified main construction contractors for capital works projects over $500,000. The Directory was originally released to the market in mid 2017 and become operational in August 2018.  We communicated in the original tender process and confirmed at regional supplier briefings that the Directory would be opened to potential new entrants on an annual basis. Continue reading

A new guidance document produced by UN Environment on Procuring Sustainable Buildings and Construction has been released. FIDIC provided input into the document – specifically in the section Calling for Tenders. Continue reading

The newly established Temporary Works forum (TWf) have developed the following draft guidance document to the New Zealand Construction Industry, providing a consensus view on how to execute good procedural control of the risks posed by temporary works throughout their lifecycle. Continue reading

It has been a busy year for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Digital Economy team working on the MBIE Business Uptake of ICT project. MBIE want to thank you for your input to date – it has been integral to the evidence base, key insights and design of the pilot project that was run this year.  In wrap up the project’s trial phase, MBIE wanted to give you a quick update on progress and our plans for the New Year. Continue reading

The Health and Safety at Work Strategy was launched last week, setting out the Government's vision for improving workplace health and safety across New Zealand over the next ten years. Continue reading

The Minister of Immigration has this morning launched public consultation on a set of proposals to reform employer support – temporary work visa settings, and early thinking on aligning the immigration, welfare/employment, and skills/education systems on a regional basis. Continue reading

The release of an additional revised version of section C5 will be available on Friday 30 November 2018 and is a technical proposal to be known as the ‘revised (yellow) section C5’.  Continue reading