MINUTES OF NELSON/MARLBOROUGH BRANCH TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT
Time & Date: 3pm, 19 February 2026
Location: Kenepuru Room - Marlborough District Council 15 Seymour Street, Blenheim
Welcome:
The Branch Chair Brendon Robertson opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests.
Attendance:
In person: Brendon Robertson, Paul Guile, David Mehlhopt, Gemma Riley (left at 4.15pm), Phil Eves, Tara Butler, Hamish Smith, Sonya Shah, Sam Archer (left at 4pm)
Online: Mark Douglas, Craig Jaquiery, Graeme Moran, Craig Harley, Chris Wood, Karel Boakes, Gavin Harding, Sania Shueb, Mark Scales
Apologies:
Dhyanom Gala, Hamish Harper, Matthew Campbell, Julian Morriss, Heydn Richards, Jeffrey Atkinson, Cherie Newman, Michelle Bullock, Alysha Hutchison, Anthony Adamson
Previous Minutes: 10/12/2025
Motion: To be approved at next meeting
Mover: Nil Seconder: Nil
Matters Arising:
Action: Nil
Decision: Nil
New Members: None
General Business: Nil
Board Representative Update: Nil
Correspondence In/Out: Nil
Building Code Issues:
Action: Nil
Decision: Nil
Guest Presentation(s):
- Katie Bourke from CCS and Barrier Free- Informal discussion on accessibility
- Karel Boakes from BOINZ President and Board Chair – Report about BOINZ
Katie Bourke
The presentation centred on accessibility and equity, with Katie from BarrierFree explaining how current design practices often rely on outdated assumptions that don’t reflect the wide spectrum of human ability. She highlighted examples such as low vision, neurodiversity, limited dexterity, reduced literacy, and other hidden disabilities, noting that accessibility must extend well beyond bathrooms to include everyday functions and fire‑evacuation challenges.
She also discussed Section 118 of the Building Act. Real‑world accessibility issues and their impacts were illustrated through practical examples. Katie emphasised the importance of designing to functional requirements and applying ANARP under Section 115 of the Building Act, along with key considerations such as colour contrast, glazing visibility, avoiding reflective materials, and many other accessibility factors.
BarrierFree is launching a free Access Helpline for BCOs and continues to offer professional training and support. Katie encouraged BCOs to get in touch if they have any questions. katie@barrierfree.org.nz
Karel Boakes
The BOINZ President and Board Chair introduced herself and outlined BOINZ’s role in supporting over 1200 members across the building surveying profession. She highlighted that BOINZ provides the only formal career pathway for building surveying and will share a video about the programme. She noted recent financial challenges due to deregulation since 2023 but emphasised BOINZ’s strong financial base and continued investment in members.
She reported positive momentum for 2025, including member growth, active branches, stronger advocacy, the new Women’s Forum, the Branch Legend award, and ongoing discussions with the International Building Quality Council. Looking to 2026, BOINZ remains recognised as an independent sector voice, with continued delivery of training, the symposium, Codetalk, Straight Up, and Hard Hat Talk, and confirmed that the Minister will attend future events.
Following the presentations, additional discussion took place. The agreed outcome was that Gavin Harding and Marlborough District Council will prepare a combined email to BOINZ regarding change‑of‑use matters for RSE worker accommodation. Brendon Robertson noted that several design and building companies have formally requested to be excluded from involvement in granny flat developments. Chris Wood from Nelson District Council added that they have received their first granny flat application; however, it did not fall within the intended scope.
Next Branch Training and Networking Event: scheduled for 27 March 2026 at TBC (WHERE)
Special thank you to: Marlborough District Council
Brendon Robertson closed the meeting at 4.30pm
Petra Hajnal
Nelson/Marlborough Branch Secretary
