Project timing critical for infrastructure workforce

Connecting New Zealand

Project timing critical for infrastructure workforce

01 Jul 2020

A new package of infrastructure investments has the potential to help kick-start the post-COVID rebuild, but these projects need to get started soon to ensure the construction industry can retain its skilled workforce.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock said today’s announcement from Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones outlined the structure of the $3b COVID Response and Recovery Fund and its regional allocation, but details were needed so the industry could do the project and workforce planning that was needed.

Mr Silcock said only 12 of around 150 projects had been announced, and details of the remainder were sorely needed for industry to plan its future workforce needs and provide meaningful employment in infrastructure construction for communities.

“Today’s announcements represented commitment to the role construction can and must play in New Zealand’s economic recovery. We now know the intention and makeup of the projects. That’s great, but we now need clarity about exactly what’s happening and when it will come to market.”

He said the regional distribution and the nature of the projects mentioned seemed appropriate so far and taking the projects to tender would give civil contractors the confidence they needed first to retain people, and then to support workforce redeployment from other sectors.

“Time is of the essence. These projects are hugely important to our communities. We’re talking about 20,000 jobs and vital services. It's about keeping people employed, about delivering community outcomes. We need details in the form of specific projects and tenders coming to market ASAP, or we may see extensive job losses.”

Mr Silcock said a lack of tenders coming to market had contractors very worried, and the industry had been staring down the barrel of a sizable gap in projects and prospective job losses across the construction and engineering sectors. This was largely due to reduced spending from private clients and local government after many experienced reduced incomes.

While transport infrastructure was mentioned, he was very surprised not to see more in the three waters space given its critical importance and urgency as the country’s aging water systems begin to fail after years of underinvestment, he said.

“We’re looking forward to hearing more about the plans for water management. Our country’s investment in three waters is hugely important, and we are looking forward to further announcements from government around upcoming work in this space.”

Mr Silcock said today’s lifting of the local government debt cap was also positive and would help local authorities to invest in their communities and support their economies at a local level.

Notice of the 76th CCNZ Annual General Meeting

As a result of COVID-19 and the cancellation of CCNZ's 2020 Conference we will be holding the Civil Contractors New Zealand Annual General Meeting as an electronic meeting. Members are invited to register for the AGM.

Water investment must not be drip-fed

The government’s latest announcement around water infrastructure investment provides welcome support for New Zealand’s ailing water networks. But to support COVID-recovery, fix systemic problems and provide employment, work should start quickly rather than being drip-fed.

Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting, call for motions and nominations

As a result of COVID-19 and the cancellation of our 2020 Conference the Civil Contractors New Zealand Annual General Meeting will be held as an electronic meeting on Thursday 30 July 2020 from 9.00 am to 10.30 am.

First trickle of shovel-ready projects emerges

CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock comments on news of more than 800 ‘shovel-ready’ projects – out of a total 1924 submissions – which are currently under consideration by the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group.

Infrastructure investment will benefit everyday Kiwis

New Zealand’s national association for civil contractors has welcomed increased investment in infrastructure announced in today’s budget, and the opportunity for the civil construction industry to create jobs and take a lead role in New Zealand economic recovery.

Webinar provides advice on standard contracts

CCNZ ran a webinar with Core Associate Dentons Kensington Swan on the impacts of COVID-19 on construction contracts, in particular standard contracts.

CCNZ webinars explore new COVID-19 protocols

CCNZ hosted two webinars on Monday 20 April, exploring new national protocols for the construction industry to return to work under COVID-19 Alert Level 3. The webinars were presented by CCNZ Technical Manager Stacy Goldsworthy Construction Health and Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Chris Alderson, and Worksafe Engagement Lead Suzanne Watt.

Construction gears up for return to work

The construction industry is tooling up to get back to work as soon as possible, drafting a health and safety framework which will help keep workers, and the public, safe from COVID-19.

Civil Talk #122 - 16 April

Edition #122 of CCNZ Civil Talk focuses on new protocols allowing the industry to return to work under COVID-19 Alert Level 3. It also includes industry contract guidance, CCNZ membership survey results, information for contractors and more.

Rapid construction restart key to economic recovery

Government guidance on handling construction contracts will give many construction companies the confidence to continue to employ their people and take a lead role in the economic recovery following the lockdown, say New Zealand’s civil contractors.

CCNZ Civil Talk #121 - 2 April

Edition #121 of CCNZ Civil Talk focuses on iindustry response to COVID-19 Coronavirus lockdown, including industry briefings, surveys, information for contractors and more. It also features information an EPIC story from Keith Matheson of SouthRoads about his career in civil construction, online civil construction training courses and more.

CCNZ COVID-19 briefing paper

Civil Contractors New Zealand has presented a civil construction industry briefing paper on COVID-19 to Government and the Construction Accord Steering Group.

Key contract advice for civil contractors on COVID-19

CCNZ Core Associate Dentons Kensington Swan has provided key contract advice for civil contractors.

Construction industry advisory on Covid-19

This update is from the Construction Industry Council and Construction Health and Safety New Zealand. It covers the impact of Covid-19 and what a level four lockdown means for businesses in construction and building.

Statement from NZTA on essential State Highway services

A statement from the New Zealand Transport agency on which State Highway services can continue under level four Covid-19 control measures, as of 1:24pm, Tuesday 24 March.

CCNZ Covid-19 information for civil contractors

This post provides CCNZ updates about Covid-19, including advice for contractors and useful links. Last updated: 27 March, 9:38am.

CCNZ Civil Talk #120 - 19 March 2020

Edition #120 of CCNZ Civil Talk focuses on information around COVID-19 Coronavirus, the new CCNZ web platform, stories of success and community, and more.

CCNZ members help City Mission gardens grow

From small seeds grow mighty trees. That’s been the story at Christchurch City Mission where members of Civil Contractors New Zealand’s Christchurch Westland branch have pitched in to kickstart a community gardening programme for people staying at the Mission’s shelters and engaged in its day programmes.

National excavator operator competition cancelled

The 2020 Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition has been cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 Coronavirus variant.

Meet this year’s champion excavator operators

This year’s CCNZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition will see an incredible level of competition, with two previous national champions returning to compete for the 2020 title.

Downer’s Neil Tau wins Manawatu Regional Excavator Operator Competition

Downer’s Neil Tau emerged victorious in this year’s CCNZ CablePrice Manawatu Regional Excavator Operator Competition.

CablePrice secures naming rights for NZ’s national excavator competition

Heavy machinery supplier CablePrice has secured the naming rights for Civil Contractors New Zealand’s highly competitive national and regional excavator operator competitions.

Action man Ben Jones is Wellington’s new excavator champion

Upper Hutt’s Ben Jones was named the Wellington and Wairarapa region’s champion excavator operator following a battle of earth, steel and wits at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Regional Excavator Operator Competition on Saturday 29 February.

Video series shows the road to a new career in 2020

A new video series featuring the young infrastructure workers who build New Zealand’s roading, water and internet networks will be released over the next month to demonstrate the inspiring careers people can find in civil construction and infrastructure.

Contractors keen to get started on NZ Upgrade Programme

New Zealand’s civil contractors welcome today’s coalition government announcement of a range of infrastructure projects funded under the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

Details needed on $12b infrastructure investment

A Government announcement to invest $12 billion in new infrastructure projects has the potential to fill a major gap in the transport infrastructure work pipeline and start to overcome NZ’s infrastructure deficit – now details are needed for civil contractors to get to work.

Hirepool backs NZ’s civil construction industry

A longstanding partnership for the benefit of New Zealand’s civil construction industry is set to continue following the renewal of Hirepool’s Principal Business Partner Agreement with the industry’s peak body Civil Contractors New Zealand for a further three years.

Mark Evans joins CCNZ Executive Council

Mark Evans has joined the Civil Contractors New Zealand Executive Council, bringing with him significant project expertise working across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom. Currently Alliance Director for Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatu Tararua Highway, Mark has been General Manager for HEB Construction since 2015...

Shovel-ready infrastructure projects needed

The weekend announcement of the Government’s plans to bring projects forward and lift spending on significant infrastructure projects in the short to medium term is welcome news for Kiwi civil contractors and communities. Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock said Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s announcement...

Climate change is on the agenda

We have a Government which is committed to New Zealand becoming a world leader in climate change action, and New Zealand is on the path to a ‘low emission, climate resilient future’. At this stage, whether you believe in human influence on climate change or not has become irrelevant.

CCNZ presents Vocational Education submission to Select Committee

CCNZ presented to the NZ House of Representatives Education and Workforce Select Committee on the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Bill, calling for the legislation to include more of a focus on strong connections with employers and industry, increased recognition of on-job-training and the need to transition....................

Tarmageddon successfully prevented for another year

More than 120 of New Zealand’s foremost bitumen specialists and technical experts flocked to Villa Maria Estate in Auckland with the goal of averting ‘Tarmageddon’- a national crisis of aging roading networks impacted by increasing wear and tear, climate change and increasing amounts of traffic.

Guidelines signal new hope for construction industry

The contracting relationship between government and the construction industry is set to be redefined, with new construction-specific guidelines created to accompany new government procurement rules coming into force tomorrow.

Exclusive private healthcare plan available for CCNZ members

In an exciting new offering exclusive to all Civil Contractors New Zealand members, their staff and immediate families, a special private health insurance plan is now available to all CCNZ member businesses.

CCNZ members save more than $3m with n3

Civil Contractors New Zealand members saved more than $3 million in the last year alone through CCNZ’s partnership with n3’s trade discounts and on-account purchasing power. By using n3, members are continuing to cut business costs year after year, with a 49 per cent increase in savings on the previous year.

Civil construction’s top training initiatives named

Civil construction companies from Christchurch and Wellington were the big winners in the national Civil Contractors New Zealand Connexis Company Training and Development Awards, presented on 2 August to recognise commitment of businesses to ongoing professional development for staff.

Clearer work programme critical for NZ infrastructure

The civil construction industry is eagerly awaiting ‘record spending’ on three waters, public transport and road safety improvements to bring financial certainty and stability so it can work towards overcoming New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit.

Doug the Digger receives national Service Award

Northland’s Doug the Digger (aka Alistair McIntyre) received a national Service Award for his role in helping young people learn the skills to operate excavators and start careers in civil construction. The award was presented at a dinner attended by more than 450 industry leaders and business owners on 2 August at the Civil Contractors New Zealand

Passion for civil construction inspires young leaders

An Otago site supervisor, a Christchurch foreman and a Wellington Environmental Advisor received awards for industry leadership on 2 August at the Z People Awards, held at Rotorua’s Blue Baths during the Civil Contractors New Zealand ‘Navigating the Future’ Conference.

Winners named in peak civil construction awards

A record-breaking pipeline in Auckland, a Napier roading upgrade to make a busy intersection safe, an Auckland wastewater station and a stormwater restoration in Wellington were amongst the winners of the 41st CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence awards in Rotorua on 2 August.

Conference to explore future of NZ civil construction

The state of New Zealand’s civil construction industry, workforce and technology will be discussed at a panel discussion featuring senior industry leaders at the Civil Contractors New Zealand’s Navigating the Future conference and expo in Rotorua on Friday 2 August.

Five CCNZ positions up for election

Our CCNZ Executive Council rotation means we have five positions up for election in 2019. The term of office of Colin Calteaux, James Craw and Stephen Delaney expire at the 2019 AGM and they have all advised that they intend to seek re-election. There is also a vacancy created by Tommy Parker’s resignation earlier this year.

Competition finds Waikato and Bay of Plenty’s top excavator operators

Strong final day performances helped Waikato’s Mike Bowe and Bay of Plenty’s Brandon Crowley scoop their respective regional titles at the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Excavator Operator Competition.

CCNZ contributes to local government workshops

Improving procurement processes can make councils a “client of choice” and benefit their staff, the communities they serve, and the contractors they work with. That’s the message CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock gave in a video interview that will be screened at a series of local government workshops being run by the Road Efficiency Group.

New Commission key to healthy infrastructure industry

The draft New Zealand Infrastructure Commission/Te Waihanga Bill is a positive step towards better and more efficient infrastructure planning and investment on a national scale but needs fine-tuning to be successful in its objectives, say New Zealand’s civil contractors.

Better infrastructure planning welcome

The release of a prototype Infrastructure Pipeline to forecast major projects being delivered by Central Government agencies has been welcomed by New Zealand’s civil construction sector as a move towards better infrastructure planning.

Construction Sector Accord a long-term commitment

A New Zealand Construction Sector Accord was announced on Sunday by five ministers, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, signalling long-term commitment between government and industry to collaborate on key work areas for a healthy construction sector.

Vocational education needs change

The civil construction industry says the Government’s proposed Reform of Vocational Education has potential to fix longstanding issues with vocational training and education, despite needing careful management and more recognition of on-job training.

VIDEO: Highlights from the 25th National Excavator Operator Competition

See the action from the 25th National Excavator Operator Competition, held at Manfeild Park in Feilding from 15-16 March 2019.

Riki Lum wins 25th national excavator competition

Riki Lum was named the winner of the National Excavator Operator Competition at an awards dinner on Saturday night following two days of intense competition against the country’s regional champion excavator operators at Central Districts Field Days in Feilding.

Manawatu digger driver to take on NZ’s best

Palmerston North man Jim Beamsley will don his hard hat and climb into the cab of a 12-tonne digger next week when he represents Manawatu at the National Excavator Operator Competition in Feilding.

Meet our National Excavator Operator Competition finalists

New Zealand’s ten champion regional excavator operators will board their excavators and battle it out at the 25th annual National Excavator Operator Competition, held at Central Districts Field Days in Feilding from 14-16 March 2019.

2019 Construction Industry Survey – speak up for your sector

This annual survey is commissioned by Civil Contractors New Zealand and Teletrac Navman, and gauges the big issues for New Zealand’s civil construction companies. Make your voice heard before 25 May 2019 and automatically go in the draw for one of five $100 Prezzy cards!

Arrow’s downfall reflects high risk of construction

The voluntary administration of Arrow International (NZ) announced today will impact not just on the employees of the company and its clients, but the wider network of contractors and subcontractors who supported its construction projects.

CCNZ issues new traffic control publications

Civil Contractors New Zealand has issued new publications, the Manual Traffic Controllers’ Handbook and the Speed Management Handbook.

Infrastructure Commission welcome

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomes a Government proposal to create Te Waihanga – The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission as the new Autonomous Crown Entity to deliver long term strategy and coordination of infrastructure planning.

Government yet to fill gap in infrastructure pipeline

Short-term gaps in the infrastructure pipeline are causing long-term headaches for the country’s civil infrastructure contractors, who have criticised a vague forward work programme that sees roading projects down nearly three billion dollars in the next two years.

Government yet to fill gap in infrastructure pipeline

Water review needs coherent leadership

Recognising a need for change in New Zealand’s water industry is a small step closer to addressing issues with decaying water infrastructure, but coherent leadership from central government will be needed to make a change, say New Zealand’s contractors.

Water review needs coherent leadership

Toomer-Reti takes second Auckland REOC title

Jason Toomer-Reti of ICB Retaining & Construction was named the Auckland region’s best excavator operator last night after an intense three-day competition against more than thirty of Auckland’s top excavator operators.

New and improved Taranaki REOC a hit

The Taranaki CCNZ Branch delivered its first Regional Excavator Operator Competition in seven years on 11 November.

CCNZ farewells Life Member June Margan

Civil Contractors New Zealand farewells Life Member June Margan, who passed away on 25 October at age 94.

Contractors look to technology to overcome workforce woes

New information released from NZ’s civil construction industry shows civil contractors are increasingly looking to adopt new technologies, with 77 per cent looking to technology to help them increase labour productivity.

CCNZ farewells Past President Jim Hardie

Civil Contractors New Zealand farewells past President Jim Hardie, who passed away on 12 September 2018.

Land Transport Programme on the road to change

Civil Contractors New Zealand says the release of the New Zealand Transport Agency’s 2018-21 National Land Transport Programme on 31 August has confirmed what has been known for some time – the Government intends to increase its investment in infrastructure, and is committed to a large-scale shift in priorities.

Civil Contractors welcomes new infrastructure entity

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomed today’s announcement from Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Shane Jones that a new independent infrastructure entity would be established to improve government oversight into the infrastructure and civil construction industry.

CCNZ President and Executive Council welcomed

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomed new President Tim Ford on the big stage following his election at the Annual General Meeting.

CCNZ’s top 10 highlights from Smarter Together 2018

Smarter Together 2018 ran from 1-4 August at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton. This joint Civil Contractors New Zealand and Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand conference had many highlights, but we have put together a top 10 list of CCNZ staff members’ favourite conference moments for you.

Awards for emerging leaders, stars in training

A Christchurch construction manager responsible for two company divisions, an Auckland roading foreman heading multiple teams at 23, and contractors from the Bay of Plenty, Canterbury and the Waikato received leadership and development awards today at the Z People Awards and Connexis Training Development Awards, held at the CCNZ Conference.

Water treatment plant takes contractors’ top award

A major upgrade to Auckland’s main water treatment plant in Mangere took top honours at the Civil Contractors New Zealand’s (CCNZ) national awards in Hamilton last night. Other awards went to projects across the country ranging from the Chatham Islands to the banks of the Waikato River.

Focus on lowest cost undermining major infrastructure projects

The construction industry is under strain to build a record amount of infrastructure on thin margins, but issues in the procurement phase could destabilise the construction industry and set these large-scale projects up to fail.

Forecast shows national infrastructure pipeline needs work

Kiwi civil contractors warn that while a recent construction forecast looks to steady the ship, the current course risks an underwhelming response to major challenges and losing talent to a booming overseas infrastructure markets.

Minister to introduce EPIC infrastructure careers campaign

More gamers, trampers and sportspeople may soon be building and maintaining New Zealand’s vital water, roading and energy networks, thanks to a careers promotion platform designed to inspire career seekers and bring diversity to the infrastructure workforce.

Civil contractors warn of 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.

2017 – The Year of Building Infrastructure Resilience

There are many lessons to be learned from the Kaikoura earthquakes. But the main one is the need for the public and private sectors to work together to build greater resilience into New Zealand’s infrastructure network.