Members Update

18 May 2022

Immigration NZ Webinar
Unfortunately, the link we sent out on Monday for this webinar was incorrect. The correct link is below. We apologise for the confusion. 

Webinar Registration
Date: Thursday 26th May 2022
Time: 2.00pm

Master Builders has been working with Immigration NZ to understand and provide information on the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This will replace the previous Temporary Work Visa, with updated criteria and eligibility requirements. 

We will be joined by Craig Walsh and Carl Andrews, who will explain how the AEWV works and what impact it will have on the construction industry.

If you cannot attend, a recording will be available on Elevate.

Building Code Update 
Proposed changes to the Building Code for 2022 have now been released by MBIE for consultation. 

A summary of the proposal can be found here. 

MBIE recently held a webinar explaining the changes and the intentions behind these. A recording of the morning and afternoon sessions of the webinar are below. 

The morning session covers proposed changes to hollow core flooring and fire protection.

The afternoon sessions covers plumbing and drainage changes. 

Emissions Reduction Plan
The Emissions Reduction Plan was released by government this week. The plan details how New Zealand will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The building and construction industry was highlighted in the plan as a core industry of focus.

The current snapshot of how the building and construction industry contributes to New Zealand’s emissions is: 

  • In 2018, the building and construction industry was responsible for 9.4% of domestic emissions, or over 15% if biogenic methane is excluded. 
  • Up to half of all waste in Aotearoa is made up of construction and demolition waste.

Some objectives from the Emissions Reduction Plan include: 

  • Improving energy efficiency by amending the Building Code
  • Improving emissions data for buildings and materials 
  • Collaborate with the Construction Accord to understand how changes will influence the industry
  • Support innovative use of timber to reduce embodied carbon
  • Explore requiring waste minimisation or recovery plans for building consent 
  • Identify financial barriers to low emissions buildings and reduce barriers through financial incentives
  • Introduce mandatory energy performance certificates for buildings. This will initially apply to government, commercial and large residential buildings. 

According to the plan, regulatory actions could come into force from 2025 

We will be working with government departments to assist in moving the building and construction sector towards a greener future. We are aware to transition our workforce towards thinking of climate change as a priority, collaboration needs to happen with all areas of industry. We are committed to making sure any proposed changes make sense and will work for our sector. 

A full copy of the Emissions Reduction Plan can be found here. 

ACC Risk Cards Update
Risk Reckoner and Risk Cards, two ACC injury prevention tools focused on manual handling and construction respectively, were retired on Monday 16 May 2022.   
 
Users who access the tools will automatically be redirected to an ACC webpage. This page will provide links to alternative resources and information on the WorkSafe and Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) websites.  
 
 For any questions, refer to WorkSafe and CHASNZ for guidance or email safety@acc.co.nz.