Chairman’s Report for 2017
It is great to see the Canterbury Westland Branch of BOINZ continuing to grow in numbers and support for the meetings is ever increasing.
Brenda and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Branch, being able to facilitate and organise meetings for the last 6 plus years and we have certainly gained with friendships being made and mixing with like-minded people.
One of the two highlights of this year was the tour through the Hagley Windows and Doors factory where we were provided a brief outline of the history of the company and its achievements to date. We were shown how the aluminium windows and doors were manufactured and how double glazing is made.
The second highlight was our trip to the West Coast – in spite of it raining the entire time. We were given a tour of the Grey Base Hospital Construction and its combination of IL3 and IL4 buildings. We also had a tour of the Westland Recreation Centre which has been operating under a CPU since 2008. An amendment had recently been accepted for the replacement of the LVL roof beams which span the width of the swimming pool area. The new design will rectify the deflection of the beams.
One of the well-attended events at Waimakariri was a visit from Lee Tindell, Manager of Johnson and Couzins Hire Ltd. With the help of some volunteers, he demonstrated the correct way to erect a 6x6 marquee.
Hurunui Team Leader Building Controls, Kerry Walsh, gave a presentation about “Building operations post disaster – how to get it wrong” based on the 2016 Culverden Earthquake and Aaron Reardon, BCO & Building Inspector gave some feedback on the Kaikoura earthquake.
Christchurch City hosted a presentation by Martin Sawyer who spoke about the role that the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Drainlayers Board play in the health and safety of the public.
At a visit to Ashburton Steve Coll from Mitek NZ spoke about their new Stud Loc system and general updates.
In Selwyn we heard from both Robin Curtis, CEO of NZ Sustainable Forest Products and Casey Thomson, Director of Hardie and Thomson. Both businesses have partnered up to provide sustainable building products for healthier building systems. They outlined a new website that was launched both nationally and internationally in August.
The Annual BOINZ Conference and Expo celebrated its 50th anniversary and was held this year at the Langham Hotel in Auckland. It was a fantastic event and a great time to catch up with colleagues.
I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Brenda for all her support and the work she has done. After 6 years as Chairman and Secretary, Brenda and I are stepping down to give others an opportunity to undertake these roles. It has been a pleasure to see the Canterbury Westland branch go from strength to strength over recent years.
Lastly, Brenda and I would like to thank you – our members – for attending and supporting our meetings, and hope you have all gained something from them.
We wish you and your families a safe and Happy Christmas.
John Blanken
Branch Chairman
Canterbury Westland Branch.
20th November 2017
