MINUTES OF WELLINGTON BRANCH TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT
Time & Date: 3.00pm-5:15pm, Wednesday 16th April 2025
Location: Te Kupenga o Rongomai - Maidstone Sports Hub, 11 Railway Avenue, Upper Hutt.
Welcome:
The Branch Chair, Emelia Lukins, opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests.
Attendance: Thomas van Raamsdonk, Murray Usmar, Steve Crabb, James McDonald, Shane Forrest, John Sherrard, Lu Oiu, Helen Emmerson, Jason Macnee, Hazel McColl, Peter Sparrow, Peter Burnt, Steve Kallahar, Layla Paine, Sarah Symon, Bruce Symon, Rosie Chote, Nick Hill, Emelia Lurkins.
Apologies: Maggie Kay
Guest Presentation 1:
Singh Kamboj, Technical Manager James Hardie New Zealand updated attendees on Secura Flooring, the new JH Soffits span tables and the updated JH product technical specifications with their Codemark and Appraisal certifications.
Axol Cladding Panels and E2/VM2 Testing:
- Presentation on updated specifications for Axol panels
- Introduction of E2/VM2 testing method for cladding performance on high-rise timber-framed buildings (up to 25m).
- Testing conducted using the BRANZ EM7 method, recently released.
- Key challenges addressed: wind pressure, building deflections, and ground movements.
- Comparative explanation of VM1 vs. VM2 testing procedures.
- Testing conducted at Fascade Lab, Auckland (IANZ-accredited).
- Inter-storey flashings required at each floor level.
- RAB board now required above 10m height for cladding systems.
Soffits and Eaves:
- New span tables for Hardie Flex eaves.
- Differentiation in soffit widths based on boxed vs. non-boxed designs.
Skillion Roofs:
Secura Flooring:
- No underlay required with new Secura flooring systems.
- New standard sheet size introduced: 2400mm x 1200mm.
Fire Resistance and Acoustic Flooring:
Q&A and Discussion:
- James Hardie clarified testing specimens were aligned with NZBC for timber-framed high-rise buildings, including use of battens and nogg framing.
- Importance of adhering to installation guides and application of products as per design documentation.
Minutes and Matters Arising:
- Discussion on future branch meetings.
- Interest in organising practical workshops including blower door testing.
- Interest in attending live BRANZ testing sessions.
- Request for additional product application training.
- CPD Review: CPD points process simplified—no application required under the new system.
- Training Academy: Emelia shared updates on course overhauls, linking training to career pathways. More information available on the BOINZ Website.
- A moment of remembrance for Derek Stains
New Members:
- Atapana Panoa from Masina Architecture,
- Adele Critchlow, Christine Scammell and Nick Crowe from Argest Technical Services Limited
- Scott Kyle from Kapiti Coast District Council
- Lyall Huizer from Hutt City Council
Guest Presentation 2:
Peter Sparrow, BOINZ Vice President presented on the Visions and Values Proposition, introducing the programme and providing attendees with the ‘Why’s’, the ‘How’s’ and ‘Where to’s’ of BOINZs’ top priority strategy project.
Answers from the members included:
- Broadening the scope to include a wider range of building industry stakeholders.
- Strengthening training and increasing membership engagement.
- Stakeholders identified: Designers, BCAs, building owners, neighbouring properties.
- Metrics for success: Membership growth and retention, diversification, and broader industry relevance.
- Discussion on constitutional clarity around BOINZ’s role and expanding appeal to non-building surveyors (e.g. insurance assessors).
- Announcement of a membership survey to gather feedback on BOINZ’s future direction.
- Strategic review outcomes included Chair and Secretary meetings for alignment.
Board Representative Update:
Nick Hill – Programme and Advocacy Update
- Overview of changes to this year’s BOINZ Annual Events programme: Symposium, Leaders Forum, and AGM
- Discussion of ongoing financial challenges (FY 24/25) impacting the market and BOINZ.
- Update on advocacy efforts and ongoing engagement with MBIE and Ministers:
- Discussions on joint and several liability, with a promotion of proportional liability.
- BOINZ’s role in addressing design and builder performance shortcomings.
- Concerns with consent proposals of granny flats. Clarification required on ‘fit and proper persons’ to conduct self-certification, is required for sector reassurance
- Remote inspections: Cautious approach to wider implementation.
- Discussion on needed BWOF (Building Warrant of Fitness) changes, but are unlikely to take place within the current political term.
Recognition of long service awards, presented by Emelia and awarded by Peter Sparrow:
- Thomas van Ransdonk – 11 years of membership.
- Bruce Symon – 12 years of membership.
General Business:
- CodeTalk Team: First topic - Remote Inspections. Next topic - Passive Fire by Holmes Fire.
- Notice of BOINZ AGM Wednesday 14th May 2025 12pm
Building Code Issues:
1.0 Action: Building Code discussions will now be a standing item, raised at the end of each meeting for discussion at the next. Emelia invited members to email her directly with any building code issues that she can raise anonymously at branch meetings.
Next Branch Training and Networking Event: scheduled for 25 June 2025 at Roof Logic, 5-7 Meachen Street, Seaview, Lower Hutt 5010
Special thank you to: Guest presenters from BOINZ HQ, James Hardie New Zealand and Council for providing the venue.
Emelia Lukins closed the meeting at 5:00pm
Rosie Chote
Wellington Branch Secretary
rosie.chote@gmail.com
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Minutes Approved by: |
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National Office: Nick Hill |
Date: 10/06/2025 |
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Branch Executive on behalf of members (Typed name, signature not required): Chair: Emelia Lukins Secretary: Rosie Chote |
Date:
11.06.2025 15.06.2025 |
Action Register
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Action ID |
Date Raised |
Action |
Assigned to |
Due Date |
Date Action Completed |
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1.0 |
10/06/2025 |
Building Code discussions will now be a standing item, raised at the end of each meeting for discussion at the next. Emelia invited members to email her directly with any building code issues that she can raise anonymously at branch meetings. |
Branch Chair |
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