Founded by Max Farndale 1947 - 2018
Experienced construction candidates remain in such high demand that they often receive multiple job offers, says recruiting experts Hays.
Quantity Surveyors, Site Managers and good skilled trades and labour are among the skills in such short supply that employers will move quickly and offer career progression in order to secure their preferred candidate.
“Most regions in New Zealand are experiencing increased residential activity while the unprecedented investment in commercial construction and transport projects across Auckland is adding to the significant skill shortage,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.
“In Auckland, residential companies are busier than ever and are growing their teams. Some candidates are moving to the Bay Of Plenty due to the number of residential developments there as well as for a lifestyle change, which adds to the shortage of necessary construction skills. Commercial construction is also very active, with new names entering the market and stretching the workforce.
Continue here to the full article
CentrePort has invested in a new regional hub in the Wairarapa.
The Waingawa log hub, near Masterton, supports the fast growing and valuable forestry sector through a reliable and cost effective transport connection, ensuring exporters remain internationally competitive.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges officially opened the venture this morning.
The project is the result of a successful partnership between Wellington’s port company CentrePort, Forest Enterprises Limited and Farman Turkington Forestry with the support of KiwiRail.
It is served by daily KiwiRail freight trains, connecting the Wairarapa region to CentrePort and to the world.
The development follows a period of sustained growth for the log trade in the Lower North Island.
Log volumes through CentrePort have grown by nearly 100% in the last five years, with further increases forecasted as a large volume of trees in the region reach maturity.
CentrePort Chief Executive, Derek Nind said, “the Waingawa log hub offers regional log exporters a sustainable, reliable, economic way of moving large volumes of logs to the port.
“Part of our long-term strategy is to invest in infrastructure, develop strategic partnerships and create seamless road and rail connections from the hinterland to our seaport. This will help unlock the potential of Central New Zealand.”
CentrePort has invested in a new regional hub in the Wairarapa.
The Waingawa log hub, near Masterton, supports the fast growing and valuable forestry sector through a reliable and cost effective transport connection, ensuring exporters remain internationally competitive.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges officially opened the venture this morning.
The project is the result of a successful partnership between Wellington’s port company CentrePort, Forest Enterprises Limited and Farman Turkington Forestry with the support of KiwiRail.
It is served by daily KiwiRail freight trains, connecting the Wairarapa region to CentrePort and to the world.
The development follows a period of sustained growth for the log trade in the Lower North Island.
Log volumes through CentrePort have grown by nearly 100% in the last five years, with further increases forecasted as a large volume of trees in the region reach maturity.
CentrePort Chief Executive, Derek Nind said, “the Waingawa log hub offers regional log exporters a sustainable, reliable, economic way of moving large volumes of logs to the port.
“Part of our long-term strategy is to invest in infrastructure, develop strategic partnerships and create seamless road and rail connections from the hinterland to our seaport. This will help unlock the potential of Central New Zealand.”
KiwiRail’s Group General Manager for Sales and Commercial Alan Piper said, “this is a great example of road and rail integration. Using Waingawa as a staging point for logs means that they can then be moved efficiently through to CentrePort on rail. I am certain the regular users of the Rimutaka Hill Road will appreciate the benefits that avoiding over 16,000 more truck trips on this stretch of road will have.”
Managing Director of Forest Enterprises, Steve Wilton said, “CentrePort’s investment in the hub has provided an efficient, secure and long term logistics channel to the port which is vital to our ability to successfully harvest in the Wairarapa. This is why we have taken a long term lease of approximately 50% of the footprint at Waingawa, complementing our long term commitment to log storage at CentrePort.”
Farman Turkington Forestry Partner Guy Farman said, “The commitment shown by CentrePort, as well as all the other stakeholders to make this hub work has been extremely
pleasing. It’s been really satisfying to see the hub and the port develop over the last few years. It’s certainly given us the confidence to take a long term lease at the Waingawa hub and expand our operations.”
In 2015 CentrePort, with its customers and service providers, contributed $2.5 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, 39% higher than in 2009. This contribution is increasing each year. Since 2009 CentrePort’s cargo volume has increased by 25 percent.1
The Government has the objective of doubling the value of primary industry exports by 2025.
Scientists from Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Liverpool have been awarded more than $850,000 to advance a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
The team have also been awarded a grant from the United Kingdom’s Alzheimer’s Society worth more than $450,000 (£260,000 GBP), as well as a New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes research grant of $15,000 for Dr Zubkova.
The funding will be used to develop drug candidates discovered from research the team has been working on since 2008.
Every 60 seconds someone in the world develops Alzheimer’s disease, which causes an inability to retain new information and difficulty in recognising people and places.
New Zealand should grab the opportunity to be at the forefront in creating the new narrative for global trade.
Right now globalisation is under attack. Any number of hypocrites ranging from Donald Trump through to Hillary Clinton are pandering to fear.
Protectionism is on the rise, ironically at a time when the impulse towards economic integration has never been stronger.
It’s in New Zealand’s interest to continue to make the case for trade – not just domestically where the record has been pitiful in recent years. But also on the international stage.
And with the architecture for global trade changing, it is important that New Zealand not only crafts a story that inspires our smaller companies to use e-commerce platforms to reduce the challenge of NZ’s distance from markets (what used to be called the “tyranny of distance”) but also takes a leading role in the World Trade Organisation to develop the new e-trade global architecture and work with other nations and private sector players to create offshore e-marketing platforms to sell more NZ product in market.
One opportunity is to back the Electronic World Trade Platform or e-WTP initiative promoted by Alibaba founder Jack Ma which is designed to connect global SMEs through logistics and inclusive financing. Ma reckons the WTO – as it operates now – is really only for the “big guns”.
But New Zealand has been silent on this initiative. In the new trade language what is now important is “market success” not simply “market access”. Trade Minister Todd McClay is expected to stake out the rationale for a trade strategy refresh in an address to the Trans Tasman Business Circle today.McClay notes that the current strategy is 20 years old. It’s worked well when it comes to opening markets and smashing through the high-tariff barriers which historically stood in the way of New Zealand exporters reaping the full returns from their products.
TPP should have been high up the list for questions at the joint press conference held by Biden and the Prime Minister. Photo / Greg BowkerFran O’Sullivan: Never mind the warships – passing the TPP is what matters now
New Zealand now has free trade agreements with other nations that take 52 per cent of our exports.
McClay makes the point that if the US does pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership legislation during the “lame duck” session – and is ultimately brought into force by all the other TPP signatories – then NZ would have FTAs with 72 per cent of our export markets. That would increase to 90 per cent in the event that all other FTAs currently under negotiation (including one with the EU ) are cemented.
Officials are getting input from the business community as they put some flesh on the bones of a trade strategy refresh. McClay says he is looking for an “evolution” not a “revolution”. The question has to be why not continue to evolve the bilateral trade agreements while at the same time pursuing revolution on other fronts. The upgrade of the China-NZ free trade deal is a case in point. New Zealand wants China to ease safeguards which bump up tarrifs for our milk powder exports once certain thresholds are passed.
What would be bold is to develop a strategy that aligns with China’s own “One Belt, One Road” initiative beginning with the development of a free trade zone in New Zealand.
Developing strategies for NZ firms to play in global value chains should also be a priority. New Zealand has been served well by its ministers and officials when it comes to crafting the global trade architecture. But we are now in a world where technology is increasingly shaping our future. In this world it is important to be driving the bus – not to be thrown under it.
Experienced construction candidates remain in such high demand that they often receive multiple job offers, says recruiting experts Hays.
Quantity Surveyors, Site Managers and good skilled trades and labour are among the skills in such short supply that employers will move quickly and offer career progression in order to secure their preferred candidate.
“Most regions in New Zealand are experiencing increased residential activity while the unprecedented investment in commercial construction and transport projects across Auckland is adding to the significant skill shortage,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.
“In Auckland, residential companies are busier than ever and are growing their teams. Some candidates are moving to the Bay Of Plenty due to the number of residential developments there as well as for a lifestyle change, which adds to the shortage of necessary construction skills. Commercial construction is also very active, with new names entering the market and stretching the workforce.
“The Wellington market is moving forward slowly with a number of large private and government commercial construction projects either underway or announced. Continued seismic strengthening work is adding to the skill shortage, as are the growing civil construction and residential markets.
“In Christchurch the number of commercial projects valued above $5 million is increasing. With larger high-profile projects underway, certain skills are in high demand,” he said.The Hays Quarterly Report for July to September 2016 names the following hotspots of construction hiring activity:
• In Auckland Residential Quantity Surveyors with new build experience rather than earthquake recovery experience are in high demand. We’re also seeing a need for senior and professional candidates with strong experience due to the Auckland housing shortage. Areas like Pukekohe, Pokeno and Hobsonville are all being developed into new subdivisions and companies are moving into the Auckland market, which is adding to demand.
• Commercial Quantity Surveyors with New Zealand experience are needed too. Major projects add to the already busy commercial sector and the demand for these candidates.
• Senior Commercial Estimators are sought by companies moving into the Auckland market. Employers want candidates with New Zealand experience. Turnover is adding to demand.
• Carpenters and experienced and/or qualified Builders are in high demand for residential work. Many of the new subdivisions are on the outskirts of Auckland and not easily accessible via public transport, which can limit candidate supply.
• Plumbers (commercial and maintenance) are also needed due to the high levels of new builds and refurbishments. Companies are competing with each other to hold onto staff.
• Machine Operators (digger/roller/grader) are needed for new subdivision projects. Major upgrades on the motorways and roads are adding to demand. Every operator needs to be ticketed, however the cost of attaining tickets is high and often people cannot afford them.
• Wellington needs mid to senior level Project Managers, particularly in interiors and commercial fit-out. Qualified intermediate to senior Quantity Surveyors with commercial construction experience are sought too, as are Site Managers with large-scale commercial construction experience gained in New Zealand, Australia or the UK. Candidates must be well presented with good communication skills for client facing roles.
• In Christchurch Forepersons with the ability to manage a site while also working on the tools are in demand as the commercial sector ramps up.
• Site Managers are needed in the commercial sector to manage programs, sub contractors and the day-to-day running of the site. Health and safety changes have also seen a large portion of health and safety responsibility fall to the Site Manager, which further adds to demand.
• Project Directors are sought too as larger, more high profile projects commence in Christchurch. These are usually rare opportunities but overseas consultancies as well as local tier 1 contractors are currently interested in local candidates.
• Fit-out and commercial Carpenters with experience in alloy partitions, steel stud and ceiling fixing are in demand as the commercial build continues and a lot of the current local workforce looks to roles in Auckland.
• In Queenstown commercial and residential Carpenters are in high demand. With major development starting in Wanaka the demand across Otago will grow.
• Commercial Plumbers and Electricians are also sought. Most jobs are at fit-out stage and NZ qualified candidates are in high demand.
• Plant and Machine Operators are also sought in the civil market with a class 2 licence or above.
• Certified and CCC approved Drain Layers and Senior Concrete Cutters are needed too. The demand is now rising due to repair work within the SCIRT program.
• The UFB rollout has increased demand for Senior Cable Joiners.
To see the full list of skills in demand and trends for your industry, please visit hays.net.nz/report
Hays is the most followed recruitment agency on LinkedIn in the world. Join Hays’ growing network by following Hays Worldwide. You can also get expert advice, insights and the latest recruitment news by following Hays on Twitter @HaysNewZealand.
Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.
Fletcher Building Limited (Fletcher Building) announces it has completed the transaction to acquire New Zealand and Fiji road construction and maintenance business Higgins for a purchase price of NZ$303 million.
The businesses acquired as part of this transaction comprise principally:
Other related businesses including the manufacture of traffic signs, bitumen tanks and sprayers
Higgins’ ready-mix concrete and property businesses are excluded from the transaction which has been cleared by all relevant New Zealand and Fijian regulatory authorities.
A Fletcher Building release Frriday 29 July 2016
The Tauranga Harbour Marine Precinct – known as Vessel Works - will be home to New Zealand's largest-capacity mobile vessel hoist when it opens for business mid next year.
Tauranga City Council Chief Executive, Garry Poole, and Claudio Carlon, Sales Manager of Vessel Hoists for Italian engineering company Cimolai Technology, today signed an agreement to formalise the purchase of the new vessel hoist.
Mr Poole said the hoist – which was capable of lifting commercial and recreational vessels up to 350 tonnes, 12m wide and 45m long – would allow businesses in the Marine Precinct to lift, move and store some of the larger commercial fishing and work boats from the region and further afield. The extra width of the machine would also allow the precinct to attract catamaran vessels such as inner-harbour fast ferries.
“The sheer capacity of the mobile hoist will really give the precinct the competitive edge when it comes to servicing these vessels, opening up business opportunities for the companies establishing themselves there and boosting Tauranga's reputation as a leading marine industry service provider,” Mr Poole said.
For more information on the project website: www.vesselworks.co.nz
Working in collaboration with Cycling New Zealand, High Performance Sport and New Zealand track athletes, including World Champion Sprinters Sam Webster, Eddie Dawkins and Ethan Mitchell, Avanti have created a product, that by all data collected, should give the kiwi team an edge against the rest of the world.
Kim Struthers, Country Manager commented, ‘we’re really excited to have the pinnacle of Avanti Design Technology (ADT), a design philosophy we incorporate in every Avanti bike, showcased on the world stage.’
Avanti started working on this project with Cycling New Zealand in August 2013, with strain gauge testing at the Invercargill Velodrome to compare the track platform Avanti had in the market at the time against a well-known competitor track bike. The results from this testing proved Avanti’s model to be a better race bike and encouraged Avanti engineers with the challenge on how to make the Avanti track bike even better.
Craig Palmer, Cycling New Zealand Sport Scientist commented, ‘In Avanti we wanted a partnership where we were investing in experience, expertise and technology. We knew if we partnered with the right company the fastest bike would be the end result, and we’ve achieved that.’
Using the key objectives of a track bike; to be aerodynamic, lightweight and stiff, new concepts were drafted with each, with factors being pushing each as far as they could go without seeing a negative impact on another factor. Utilising 3D printing Avanti was able to test individual aspects of the frame at Auckland University’s wind tunnel, before committing to producing a frame for further testing. Using extensive Aerodynamic simulation software (CFD) and structural simulation software (FEA) a radical new front end design was born.
David Higgins, Avanti Lead Engineer commented, ‘this was no longer an evolution of the current Avanti track bikes, but a whole new concept in structural and aerodynamic design’.
Using this technology Avanti created their brand new Avanti Pista Pursuit Team, the track weapon to be ridden by all New Zealand Pursuit riders racing at Rio.
The Sprint bike, The Avanti Pista Team, Olympic Edition, looks at similar factors to the Pursuit bike, but with more emphasis on being lightweight while managing the immense loads the Sprinters put out. Ethan Mitchell said of the Avanti Pista Team, Olympic Edition project ‘it’s been amazing, we’ve never really had the opportunity to be able to bounce ideas on how to build ideas on something that we ride, it’s been special to be able to do that and come together to make a bike that is individualised for us.’
Mark Elliott, Cycling New Zealand High Performance Director commented ‘Avanti has done something we’ve never seen before in a bike, it’s going to be pretty special when we see it in Rio.’
Avanti have a history with the Olympic Games. The Kiwi bike company has been involved in the last four Olympic Games Avanti achieving track medals. This Olympic cycle Avanti have embarked on their most technology-driven project yet. Using World leading Formula 1 technology and designed and tested in New Zealand, by New Zealanders, for the New Zealand Olympic team is a true Kiwi innovation piece Kiwis can be proud of.
The New Zealand Olympic Team ride Avanti Incs at the Olympic Village
Bulk Carrier’s arrival emphasises port’s role as nation’s fertiliser handling hub.
The arrival at Napier in August of the bulk carrier Mollie Manx emphasises the port’s role as New Zealand’s fertiliser hub.
The 60,000 tonne vessel was built six years ago and calls into Napier before resuming its outward voyage to Laayoune the capital of Western Sahara.
The vessel is registered in the Isle of Man and is owned by LT Ugland Shipping which specialises in owning large-capacity bulk carriers. It was built at the Tsuneishi Phillipine Shipyard.
Vessels in the Ugland fleet are all named after family members or something close to the family, in the case of Molly Manx, the family pet dog.
Port of Napier’s deep-water handling, especially in rapid turnaround, of this type of large scale bulk carrier, ensures that Hawkes Bay remains the centre of the fertiliser sector.
Meanwhile, the family ship owning company is run from the Isle of Man by founder Lars Ugland (pictured) and the Isle of Man flagged vessels are operated by specialist time and voyage charterers.In the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a British self governing Crown Dependency and makes its own laws and sets its own taxes. The Isle of Man is a full Maritime Convention nation.
From The MSCNewsWire reporters' desk Sunday 31 July 2016
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
|
|