N E W S
12 August 2018
Contractor concern: construction gap in government
transport policy
New Zealand’s civil contractors have
welcomed a record level of investment
in transport, but expressed concern at
a medium-term construction gap in the
government Policy Statement on Land
Transport which risks losing Kiwi civil
construction capability and capacity to
overseas markets.
Civil Contractors New Zealand chief
executive Peter Silcock says the potential
$2 billion gap would occur between
2019-2022 as investment shifted from
completion of major state highway construction
projects to construction of rapid
transit and public transport projects, which
would not really ramp up until post-2022.
Investment in rapid and public transport
before 2022 would more than likely be
on planning, land acquisition, design,
consenting and procurement rather than
construction, Mr Silcock says.
“We understand there is a change in focus
with the current Government. We support
this, and commend an increasing focus
on regional development, road safety and
sustainability. But these projects need to
happen in a way that retains capability and
capacity within the industry.”
Mr Silcock says the gap as it stood was
likely to result in a loss of capacity and
capability, particularly to Australia as
large infrastructure projects ramped up
across the Tasman.
He says the latest policy statement was not
without its merits, praising changes from
the draft that would increase investment
in the country’s vital transport networks
and smooth out an unattainable spike in
construction of rapid transit that would
have forced contractors to recruit from
overseas.
The increased continuity of work would
make it more attractive for contractors
to train and develop Kiwi expertise to do
the rapid transit work required, he says.
“It’s very important we have a steady
workflow, and we’re glad this is starting
to gain recognition. We’ve been talking
with Minister Twyford regularly, and what
we need to do now is bring shovel-ready
projects forward to fill the gap and ensure
we keep the skills we need to get the job
done.”
Despite a challenging gap in workflow, he
says the commitment to a long-term approach
to infrastructure was very welcome
for contractors as it would allow them to
plan recruitment and training to develop
a workforce that was ready to tackle the
exciting projects planned for the future.
A further review of the policy statement
is planned for 2019. Mr Silcock says the
planned review was creating ongoing
uncertainty amongst contractors, and
called on the government to clarify whether
this was likely to reinforce or reconsider
its priorities expressed in the 2018 policy
statement.
He says he welcomed further opportunities
for collaboration between the government
and industry so challenges around skills
development and continuity of work
could be well-informed and overcome
collaboratively, and the best solution for
New Zealand could be reached.
Site Safe
announces new
chief executive
Site Safe New Zealand has
announced the appointment of a
new chief executive.
Brett Murray has been appointed
as the not-for-profit’s new chief
executive and will take over from
outgoing chief executive, Alison
Molloy, on September 3.
Site Safe chairman Peter
Jackson says he was delighted
to announce Mr Murray’s
appointment.
“Brett brings an extensive
knowledge of health and safety,
and a wealth of experience to the
position. We are confident his
leadership abilities and understanding
of the health and safety
environment make him the right
person to guide Site Safe through
the next stage of our journey as
an organisation.”
Mr Murray’s background in health
and safety includes several
senior roles with WorkSafe,
MBIE and the Department
and Labour. Most recently, as
general manager operations at
WorkSafe, he was responsible
for WorkSafe’s inspectorate and
technical support functions.
While central region manager at
the Department of Labour, he
headed the investigation into
the Pike River disaster and as
gm High Hazards and Specialist
Services with MBIE, later went
on to establish the High Hazard
Unit, which provides specialist
oversight of New Zealand’s
petroleum, extractives and major
hazard facilities sectors.
Mr Murray says he was looking
forward to the opportunity to
work closely with the construction
industry and government
agencies to lift health and safety
performance.
“Safe and healthy workplaces are
productive workplaces. I firmly
believe good health and safety
practices are the cornerstone of
operational excellence and that
the construction sector can lead
the way in New Zealand being
recognised as a safe country to
work in.
“Site Safe already plays a key role
in supporting positive change in
the sector. I am excited about the
platforms and opportunities that
will provide the organisation the
opportunity to grow as a change
leader and influencer, both within
the industry and more broadly
with government and other key
stakeholders.”
Objective3D appoints new tech
service manager
Objective3D, provider of Stratasys
and desktop metal 3D printers has
announced the appointment of Arron
Jack as the new technical services
manager.
Arron, a highly experienced technician,
will be working with the Objective3D
technical services team to empower its
customers by more efficient usage of
their professional 3D printers as well as
to strengthen Objective3D’s drive and
growth for greater market share in both
Australia and New Zealand.
Arron is well known to product designers
and manufacturers across Australia and
New Zealand having spent almost two
decades in a variety of technical roles
in the 3D printing industry, the most
recent with Fuji Xerox Australia.
Objective3d managing director, Matt
Minio, says: “We’re very pleased to have
Arron join our team. Arron’s technical
experience spans the wide range of 3d
printing technologies including Stratasys
FDM and PolyJet.
“After sales service and support for professional
3D printers are critical. Arron
with his detailed knowledge and experience
will assist in keeping our growing
number of customers’ equipment operational.
This will further strengthen our
close relationships with our customers
and enhance our potential for developing
other opportunities.”