MINUTES
NORTHLAND BRANCH
TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT
held on
Friday, 14th June
at
Attendance:
Far North District Council: John Edwards, Peter Martin, Carmel Taylor, Matt Williams
Kaipara District Council: Greg Bellam, John Dowden, David Ellery, Kerry Hewson, Ian McCauley, Jamie Nikora
Whangarei District Council: Jessica Berridge, Nikki Clark
Apologies:
Far North District Council: Kevin Piper
Whangarei District Council: Stuart Ferris
Welcome:
Branch Chair Jamie Nikora, opened the meeting, welcoming members, new members, and extended a special welcome to the event's guests:
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA): Deb Gurr
Heaney and Partners:Frana Divich
Rice Speir: Nathan Speir and Laura Bielby
Guest Presentation
Despite issues with the technology available, causing the guests to be unable to present using their prepared presentations; the event was an incredibly informative meeting with interactive discussions and scenarios.
Heaney and Partners: Frana Divich
Topic: Consenting/Inspecting and What to Watch Out For.
Frana Divich gave a very informative presentation, her passion was notable in the key points of her message:
- Nothing is off the record
- Place an emphasis on documentation
- Are your documents authentic? Can the Council rely on them?
- Verbal discussions must be carefully documented and presented
- Record your decision making. Keep a paper trail and make it easy to those that follow what you where approving/ inspecting
- Document your inspections, use photos and outline Building Consent conditions.
- Be precise
- Reference the Codes and Acts that you adhere to.
- Do not be afraid to put a customer on hold until you have the correct information from your Team Leader or Manager.
- Ensure the process for your decisions and changes is robust.
Rice Speir: Nathan Speir
Topic: The Important Interface Between the Resource Management Act (RMA) and Building Act and the Consequences that Silo Working Can Have.
Nathan`s presentation gave an insight into recent claims for multi- residential developments and how preventative measures can lessen risks.
Nathan and the members present discussed Territorial Authority (TA) department silos across the country and the need for them to be broken down further. This is so they can provide clearer acknowledgement of how the departments can work together in using the same information and identify any pitfalls early rather than later.
Nathan encouraged Territorial Authorities to investigate the option of having separate Compliance Departments to address all department non-compliance issues. This will provide a dedicated and skilled investigation team.
Nathan discussed development pressures with the members, and how this can cause interference with processes. Nathan also highlighted the need for Territorial Authorities and Building Consent Authorities (BCA's) to have a strong policy with a clear understanding of indemnity, and all associated legislation and acts, (RMA, Building Act, Heath Act etc.)
Nathan also touched on engineers Producer Statements 1- Design (PS1) and Producer Statements 4 - Construction Review (PS4), regarding durability requirements in the Building Code for structural elements. He focused on the B2 Building Code requirement which specifies that building elements must be durable for not less than 50 years with normal maintenance.
He advised that a majority of engineers have adopted the letter form of PS4. This means that they will not put any B2 details on their documents and it leaves TA's and BCA's in situation of indecision whether PS1 designs can be accepted or not.
Nathan advised the members that there will be an update in the near future on this subject.
The Drug Detection Agency: Deb Gurr
Topic: The Risks of Drugs in the Construction Industry and What to Look Out For.
Deb gave an educational update on identifying possible onsite hazards and employee drug testing.
Deb highlighted to members that meth labs are volatile and dangerous, they can be found anywhere and not just exclusively in buildings. Deb indicated that you can find Methamphetamine labs within car boots, members were reminded of how many wrecked cars there are in the Northland region and agreed that it would be safer to give these vehicles a wide berth and put them on their site assessment radar before entering a property.
Alcohol and illegal substance testing are becoming very common and most organisations have a zero tolerance for failure. Some organisations provide employee information on a common data base for their industry to ensure the safety of their workers from possible risks. Records of applicants and their results are made readily available (EG, remote forestry teams).
For more information on this, Deb reminded members to check their employment policy.
Members present enjoyed some stories from Deb regarding how some applicants try to beat the test procedures. It was very informative and showed the 'Number 8 wire' approach is alive and well but TDDA is one step ahead.
Previous Minutes
The previous minutes were read and confirmed as a true and correct record
Moved: Kerry Hewson Seconded: Jamie Nikora
Matters Arising
None
Correspondence
None
General Business:
Jamie Nikora reminded all members that the elections for Chairman and Secretary will be held at the AGM.
Next Branch Meeting;
May Bain Room at Whangarei Central Library, 6th September, 1.00 pm.to 4.30 pm.
Peter Martin
Northern Branch Secretary.
