MINUTES OF EAST COAST BRANCH TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT
Time & Date: 4.06pm, 17 April 2024
Room: Skinny Mulligans and online via Teams
Location: 10 Islington Drive, Waipawa
Welcome:
Melanie Scrivens welcomed all members and introduced the guest speakers, thanking them for taking the time to be with us and noting that MBIE presenters would join the meeting later online.
Attendance:
Mel Scrivens, Karen Walker, Nigel Moore, James Stuart, Aldo Fehr, Thomas Kerr, Murray Lougher, Craig White, Pete Wiggins, Duncan Renner, Thomas Kerr, Brioney Hunt (online), Simbai Manyumwa (online)
Apologies:
Paul Simmonds, Barry Nikolaison.
Guests:
Clare Botha - MBIE
Liz Ashwin - MBIE
Jo Chalmers – NZ Claims Resolution Service
Ryan Stowers and Craig White - Carter Holt Harvey
Previous Minutes:
The previous minutes had not been sent to National Office in time for review. These will be circulated at the next meeting for approval.
Matters Arising:
Nothing raised.
Correspondence In/Out:
Correspondence read by Mel Scrivens.
Reminder from Head Office that the Annual Conference is next month 20-22 May, and they look forward to seeing you there.
The 2024 Building Controls Essentials Handbook is now available via the BOINZ website shop and the call for nominations for the board elections has been extended, with the new nomination closing date being 4pm Friday 19th April.
General Business:
New Members: Welcome to Peter Robinson (Associate Member) from Wairoa District Council.
Board Representative Update:
No board representative in attendance. No report presented.
Building Code Issues:
Nothing raised.
Guest Presentation(s): (Refer to Teams meeting recording.)
Clare Botha presented via Teams on MBIE’s role in building management in emergencies.
MBIE’s responsibilities include providing guidance and deploying resources to the authorities in emergency areas. This includes implementing the Rapid Building Assessment (RBA) system and supplying placards, training facilitation, maintaining the Rapid Building Assessor register, and deployment of Tier 1 technical leads.
MBIE are working on guidance for the removal of placards and recognise the importance of data sharing with other agencies to provide a tangible set of metrics. Data share agreements are currently being established with EQC, LINZ, etc. with care caveats around use of data. MBIE are also working with FENZ who are working on a platform to increase situational awareness in an event.
Liz Ashwin presented via Teams on the learnings from previous events and MBIE’s ongoing system improvements.
A review was undertaken recently by Gravitas on the RBA system with responses still being considered. Feedback overall seemed to indicate that the structure was adequate, and training was okay, but placards weren’t sufficient for a flood event. RBAs found dealing with the public difficult and the need for information regarding the placard system for the public was critical.
The wellbeing of RBAs was also an area of concern with access to support and acknowledgement important.
MBIE had been intending to update documentation, but findings have resulted in accelerated revisions with new field guides currently under review. Geotechnical guidance is also currently being worked on.
The MBIE website was updated in March 2024 and includes a guidance document and information for homeowners if their building is affected. https://www.building.govt.nz/managing-buildings/managing-buildings-in-an-emergency
A question was raised about hazardous substances and the remediation of flood damage with concerns raised about asbestos removal and disposal. There were also concerns that the public were not aware of the risks and in some cases being misinformed. The member had seen various procedures undertaken against Worksafe guidelines and has concerns that homeowners and the public sector are at risk. They contacted their local council but received no response. Liz Ashwin confirmed that this was not her area of expertise but believed it was not a consideration of the current Rapid Building Assessment placard system, and that a visual check in the limited time frame available would not necessarily allow RBAs to flag asbestos, even if equipped with sufficient knowledge to recognise the products.
Another question was asked relating to downgrading an existing placard and if a shorter form was available or being worked on for this purpose. Liz Ashwin confirmed that MBIE was aware this was a pain point but there was nothing available yet as they are restricted by Survey 123 software.
Jo Chalmers introduced herself via Teams as an advocate from the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS).
NZCRS are an independent organisation and support homeowners with independent advice and support to liaise with their insurer (or do so on behalf of the owner) to resolve insurance issues, establish settlement agreements, and provide mediation in disputes with insurers, as well as providing access to mental health services for their clients. She discussed challenges for clients after Cyclone Gabrielle and anxiety for homeowners around insurance. Jo is based in Napier.
Ryan Stowers from CCH’s presentation focused on Section 14G of the Building Act 2004 Responsibilities of product manufacturer or supplier.
Ryan confirmed that CCH products Building Product Information sheets go beyond standard requirements, and that CCH Plywood is FSC compliant in regard to sustainability. Ryan demonstrated the CCH apps are available for download to assist designers and specifiers. Ryan outlined changes and specific requirements for several structural plywood products highlighting that new specification guides and instructions were available on their website. https://chhply.co.nz/. Ryan also stated that any changes to products designed and appraised as systems, changes the design intent.
A question was asked regarding how far you could overdrive nails without compromising the structural element of the product? Craig White responded that the nails must be flush as identified in the specification. The strength of the product will be compromised if punctured.
Next Branch Training and Networking Event: scheduled for 20 June 2024 at HDC Landmarks Room, 207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings at 3.30pm.
Special thank you to:
Clare Botha - MBIE
Liz Ashwin - MBIE
Jo Chalmers – NZ Claims Resolution Service
Ryan Stowers and Craig White - Carter Holt Harvey
For taking the time to come and present for us.
Melanie Scrivens closed the meeting at 5.58pm thanking all attendees and guests.
Karen Walker
East Coast Branch Secretary
karenls@hdc.govt.nz
