Leading experts exchange ideas to empower the industry: a seminar programme packed with highlights

The pandemic has put New Zealand's construction industry under the twin pressures of soaring raw material prices and building material shortages. Labour shortages and slow processing of resource consents and building consents are also pressing problems for the industry, and were a focus for industry participants at this year's expo. To examine the industry's pulse more closely, identify its direction and address current crises and challenges, every session and topic in the 2021 NZIBES seminar series was carefully designed around construction professionals' needs. The aim was to inspire all attendees and accelerate innovation, enable direct discussions with experts about industry pain points and solutions, and bring together outstanding exhibitors to introduce innovative technologies and products and share the latest industry news.

Jeff Fahrensohn from Auckland Council presented the latest information on building consents, a topic attracting considerable discussion. Since last year, Auckland Council has been issuing code compliance certificates (CCCs) for new homes at an average rate of more than 1000 a month. Auckland's supply of new homes has doubled over the past five years and continues to rise. In the 12 months to April this year, Auckland Council issued 12,768 CCCs for new homes, the highest total since 2019. Meanwhile, the council's assessment workload has continued to grow. In July 2021, for example, it received 4500–5000 inspection requests and 450 building consent applications each week, issued 400 CCCs and recorded 300 new home completions. Over the past 12 months, the inspection pass rate was 76%. During the live Q&A, Jeff answered attendees' questions individually. Audience members exclaimed, “It is so rare to have an opportunity like this to speak face to face with council building consent officers and have our questions answered individually!”

Jinghong Group is New Zealand's only Chinese-owned consultancy offering comprehensive property development and construction services. Through a decade of dedicated work since its establishment, the company has accumulated extensive experience in subdivision, property development and construction, particularly in small and medium-sized projects, complex high-density luxury housing, and mid-range to premium townhouse developments. Planning and Design Manager Kanye Kang introduced attendees to the specialist knowledge required during property development. He also answered some of their most pressing questions: What is the Unitary Plan? What are the key factors affecting subdivision? His explanations, illustrated with classic development and subdivision case studies, were packed with practical information. Kanye also guided attendees step by step through developing and subdividing land awaiting development to maximise returns within the rules of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

A presentation titled “Imagining the future of home living” by Argus Engineering CEO Lucia Sun was another eye-opener for the audience. Ms Sun explained the concept of the smart home in clear, accessible terms. As pioneers of smart homes in New Zealand, the Argus Engineering team she leads has consistently focused on content, centred its work on users and prioritised results, providing the New Zealand market with world-leading, comprehensive whole-home smart solutions. As the New Zealand distributor for Germany's BRAVAT bathroom products and China's Midea, Argus Engineering has a clear goal: to provide dependable solutions and services for local projects, offering clients the best solutions throughout budgeting, design, installation and maintenance. These include a professional liaison team with extensive experience in New Zealand construction projects, reducing communication time and improving operational efficiency, as well as specialist installation supervision and service teams. Together, they provide strong support through optimal products and services during construction and robust after-sales services during project operation.

As New Zealand's largest and most influential Chinese telecommunications operator, Unicom New Zealand joined Hikvision at the seminar to showcase the latest results of their collaboration: smart security, with integrated surveillance and alarm solutions for commercial buildings, homes and construction sites. It is heartening to see how this Chinese-owned business, founded in 2011, has developed over the years. Its services have expanded from basic broadband connections and programme-controlled voice systems to telecommunications solutions across industries, corporate mobile plans, IT support and managed services, cloud office environments, and comprehensive smart security solutions that integrate the needs of residential apartments, commercial buildings and hotel management.

The seminars also featured engaging innovations and topics that gave attendees fresh inspiration. Dr Linqing Xu (Jasmin), for example, explained earthquake rapid reporting and early warning systems, building vibration monitoring and their applications in construction to protect people and reduce losses caused by strong earthquakes. A representative from Stormwater System explained and demonstrated an innovative rainwater harvesting system, a development with far-reaching significance for alleviating Auckland's long-standing water shortages. Sarah Tong of Heliview HR Consulting spoke on the question: How can the construction industry retain talent? Her presentation was a timely reminder for construction employers that, amid today's acute skills shortage, attracting talent is the key to success. How to build a strong company and employer brand deserves careful consideration from every employer.

With two days of industry seminars and more than ten specialist talks, the programme was a major industry gathering combining business connections and professional exchange. Attendees said they had gained a great deal and found much to reflect on. We believe NZIBES will continue to serve as an annual guide to industry trends, supporting New Zealand's construction professionals and helping them navigate the way ahead.