MINUTES OF EAST COAST BRANCH TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT
Time & Date: 3.30pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026
Location: Landmarks Room, Hastings District Council, 207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings
Welcome:
The Acting Branch Chair Barry Nikolaison opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests, noting President Karel Boakes, Tony Manunui (Hastings District Council) and Daniel Scheibmair (Simpson Strong-Tie).
Attendance:
Barry Nikolaison, Karen Walker, Matthew Holmes, Briony Hunt (online), Nick Hill (online), Sania Shueb, Daniel Scheibmair, Karel Boakes, Stevie Slater (guest), Mike Cooper (guest), Tony Manunui, Matt Smith (guest)
Guest Presentation(s):
Daniel Scheibmair – Simpson Strong-Tie
Presentation prior to AGM to accommodate for guests.
Daniel is a specification engineer at Simpson Strong-Tie. He presented on bracing for different timber structures and the innovations being developed by Simpson Strong-Tie. He demonstrated the dynamics of bracing and differences in NZS3604 and NZS3603 buildings while discussing the importance of designing for movement in the building, with explanations of shrinkage and the effects of different types of loading with testing footage of designs that create weak points to protect the overall building and making repairs easier. He also mentioned that Simpson Strong-Tie are beta testing a software called Stronghouse that will calculate vertical loads and specify the holddowns and connectors for a project and will be free to use.
Guests left after presentation.
Karel Boakes – BOINZ President
Karel presented on board activity and said while it has been tough in previous years BOINZ has been in a strong position with good general growth in recent times. They have been strong in their advocacy role with recent press releases on various issues including re-regulation, self-certification, liability and most recently granny flats. The Women’s Forum, Vision and Values proposition have been successful achievements and the consistency and ethics of BOINZ is what sets them apart. They are seen as independent and as such have been able to have some political involvement. Karel reiterated that the Symposium in in May and the new format combining conference with the leader’s forum has been positive and reminded members of the fortnightly Code Talk, encouraging anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch with head office. ea@boinz.co.nz
Barry Thanked both Daniel and Karel for their informative presentations, noting and closed the meeting at 4:29pm; Thanking everyone for their attendance and contribution, and advised the branch AGM would follow. No other agenda items discussed.
Next Branch Training and Networking Event: TBC
Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025
Time & Date: 4.30pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026
Location: Landmarks Room, Hastings District Council, 207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings
Welcome: Barry Nikolaison welcomed the members attending the Branch AGM and apologies.
Attendance: Barry Nikolaison, Karen Walker, Matthew Holmes, Tony Manunui (Guest), Briony Hunt (online), Nick Hill (online), Sania Shueb (Online), Daniel Scheibmair, Karel Boakes
Apologies: Morrie Blumenthal, Murray Lougher
Previous AGM Minutes:
5/11/2024 – Jarks, 118 Maraekakaho Road, Hastings
Motion: That the branch approves the minutes of the previous meeting
Mover: Karen Walker Seconder: Matthew Holmes- Carried
Matters Arising:
None identified.
Correspondence In/Out:
Reminder of BOINZ AGM and BOINZ Board Elections for the year two board positions.
Chairperson's Annual Report:
No report submitted.
Results of the East Coast Branch Election for Branch Executive Positions for the 2026/2027 TERM:
Barry confirmed that no nominations had been received to date.
Current Branch Secretary, Karen Walker offered to stay in position until someone was identified. She indicated she was prepared to continue in the role of secretary but felt the branch would benefit from new blood. She asked the Chief Executive what the next steps were likely to be given the lack of nominees. Nick indicated the National Office would work with her and will approach potential candidates identified. Karen to continue as caretaker and will continue to work with the council management teams while the roles are being filled.
There was a concern and acknowledgment about low membership in the branch. Support from all councils in the area was imperative, given the value of BOINZ to the sector and the benefits delivered to councils. Notably, BOINZ suggested and helped deliver the NCHS review extension which, among other gains, has supported both its members and their employers.
Nick has had success talking with CEOs in the past. Suggested that BOINZ present at a HDC Building Industry Forum in the future. Value of BOINZ is to share technical information and foster building surveying consistency amongst our members as individuals and professionals.
Barry advised that he needed to excuse himself due to other commitments and encouraged further discussion handing the chair role to Karen.
Further discussion about collaborative strength in numbers, the importance of consistency in decision making and interpretation and the value of BOINZ. Logistic issues acknowledged with local travel distances identified as being prohibitive at times for some to attend meetings. Event structures from other branches were discussed. Solutions need to be found to ensure the revival/survival of this branch, for both members and their employers.
Karen thanked those in attendance and closed the meeting at 5.10pm
Karen Walker
East Coast Branch Secretary
karenlw@hdc.govt.nz
