Page 10 - HW December 2020

hard news
Revision underway for decades old building standard
New Zealand’s main standard for the design and construction of timber- framed buildings, NZS 3604:2011 Timber- Framed Buildings, is finally being revised, albeit with limited scope.
Driving the revision is MBIE’s Building Performance team, the aim being
to “help streamline the process of designing and consenting higher- density housing”.
“It’s been more than a decade since NZS 3604 was last revised,” says MBIE. “The building industry changes rapidly, and a lot has happened during this time, so it’s timely to begin the process of revision.”
The following specific areas will be looked at as part of the revision to NZS 3604:
• Facilitating better thermal
performance.
• Extending the scope of the Standard
to three full storeys.
• Foundations on expansive soils and
on liquefaction-prone soils.
• Steel bracing elements for wide
openings.
• Support details for long-span beams
and lintels.
• Framing around internal stairwells.
• Isolated internal masonry walls.
• Bracing.
As indicated above, the revision also aims to support the Building for Climate Change programme by improving the operational efficiency of buildings and improving the health and wellbeing of their occupants.
Standards New Zealand is forming a standards development committee and technical working groups will be established to provide advice.
The new standard is expected to be delivered in 2023 and, once published, is expected to be incorporated into the Building Code in 2024.
www.building.govt.nz
Bunnings Trade goes south
BUNNINGS IS BUILDING a $7 million Trade Centre at 22 Bill Richardson Drive in Invercargill, its eighth trade-dedicated site in New Zealand and the first for the South Island.
Scheduled to open in the second half of 2021, the trade centre will sit well among a wide variety of associated businesses in the west of the city, including PlaceMakers, Mico, EH Ball,
E Hayes and more.
Expected to create some 20 new
jobs, the new Trade Centre will occupy around 4,000m2 including a covered drive-through.
Demolition of the existing buildings on the Bill Richardson Drive site has begun with construction slated to kick off early next year.
www.bunnings.co.nz
Movers & shakers
TWO TEAM MEMBERS from Mitre 10 MEGA Hamilton were recognised at this year’s Westpac Waikato Business Awards. 2020 Retailer of the Year Clifford Buchler was named CEO of the Year, while Jessica Fearnley, People, Culture & Business Improvement Manager, was highly commended in the Emerging Leader of the Year category. Mitre 10 MEGA Hamilton owner Terry Wilson says: “We are absolutely over the moon to see them both recognised in such a way.”
Darryn Cosgrave has been announced as Red Stag Wood Solutions’ (RSWS) Operations Manager in charge of
its Engineered Wood Product plant (including CLT) in Rotorua. Darryn’s career includes seven plus years as Remanufacturing Manager for Red Stag Timber, with saw mill management and working for Tenon before that.
Kevin Everett has joined the MATES in Construction team as Operations Manager to oversee the team out in the
field. Scottish-born Kevin has 30+ years of industry experience including being trade qualified and the establishment
of Building Recruitment which he has owned since 2005 He is also the current Vice President of Auckland Registered Master Builders.
Graeme Woodside, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand,
is retiring, effective early February
2021. Graeme joined the Foundation as CEO in 2013 having had considerable previous experience working for charitable organisations. Over the past seven years, says the charity: “his vision, drive and enthusiasm has significantly transformed the Foundation. The Board, the Foundation’s members and the community of people affected directly
or indirectly by prostate and testicular cancer have all benefitted greatly as result of Graeme’s commitment and achievements.” The Foundation’s Board has initiated the process to appoint a new CEO.
8 NZHJ | DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
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