B+D industry news

NZCBIA eighth-anniversary special edition published

 

Published in October 2022, YIJU | New Buildings, New Ways of Building is the eighth-anniversary special edition of the New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZ Chinese Building Industry Association Inc., NZCBIA).

This issue traces NZCBIA’s demanding journey as it has stayed true to its founding purpose, persevered and gradually realised its goals and vision. It records the efforts that NZCBIA members have made in pursuit of their dreams and mission since preparations began in 2014: milestones in the association’s development, training and events it has organised, the history of the New Zealand International Building Expo & Summit (NZIBES), highlights from the Excellence Awards and gala dinners, and profiles of members and their projects.

The magazine reports on NZCBIA’s work to the individuals and businesses that have supported its growth. It also marks a new starting point for NZCBIA’s next eight years. Past achievements will inspire an even stronger commitment to serving the Chinese property and construction industry, businesses and members, the Chinese community and wider society!

NZCBIA President Frank Xu invited to attend

Launch ceremony for CBRE’s Asian real estate services team

 

On 26 October, NZCBIA President Frank Xu attended the launch ceremony for CBRE’s Asian real estate services team by invitation and delivered an address.

Frank said: “I am confident that establishing the Asian team will help CBRE offer clients more integrated, comprehensive services, guiding them more effectively through today’s market, with all its risks and changes.”

Auckland’s housing market is now moving rapidly into the medium-density era, with Asian developers and builders regarded as its fastest-growing force. We sincerely believe CBRE’s Asian team will bring more exciting developments to New Zealand in the years ahead!

 

Special Rinnai & Mico open day

 

On 9 November, Rinnai, a leading global gas appliance brand, and the East Tamaki branch of Mico, a leading local supplier of plumbing, bathroom and heating products, held an exclusive open day for NZCBIA members.

NZCBIA members explored Rinnai’s new product range and took part in special activities, including showroom and factory tours. These gave them a thorough understanding of how Rinnai is preparing for the future of natural gas and what these initiatives mean for the construction industry.

The event also gave NZCBIA members an insight into how the Rinnai and Mico teams bring company pride, innovation and dedication to their everyday work.

NZCBIA President Frank Xu makes multiple appearances

At the seminar series jointly organised by YIJU and Barfoot & Thompson

In the second half of 2022, YIJU joined forces with Barfoot & Thompson to organise a series of industry seminars on topics including “Risk management in a slowing market” and “A practical introduction to lifestyle property investment with the professionals”. The seminars offered valuable opportunities to meet people from construction companies, technology companies, banks, building materials suppliers, consultancies and other service providers and suppliers, establish and strengthen working relationships, and gain the latest market insights and information.

 

As one of the initiators of the series, NZCBIA President Frank Xu attended and spoke at two consecutive events. At the seminar on “Risk management in a slowing market”, Frank pointed out that, given the complexity of the current market, broad generalisations about market risk were inaccurate. He analysed market risks in detail across four areas:

• Interest rates continue to rise: is the worst over?
• The lending environment: banks continue to tighten lending, but second-tier lenders are very active;
• The extent of house price falls: compared with the peak, or with the same period last year?
• Property market segments: the market is not uniform. Industrial property remains buoyant, affordable housing is more resilient to price falls, and properties with development potential have experienced larger declines.

After examining market risks, Frank Xu explored risks in the construction market, including project delays, project errors, construction cost management and ways to improve productivity. He also discussed solutions for avoiding risks in detail with attendees.

 

Second NZCBIA leadership training programme to begin soon

 

Starting in the first half of 2022, NZCBIA partnered with business development consultancy Executive Coaching & Consulting to create a year-long leadership training programme tailored to its members. The first programme attracted 14 business owners and managers and received positive feedback.

Carefully planned and incorporating core ideas from the Chinese military classic The Art of War, the programme covers establishing business goals, vision and values; business management, including recruitment, leadership, setting targets and accountability; and leadership skills training.

In 2023, the leadership training programme will be enhanced further, aiming to empower more members and businesses to find the development path best suited to their companies in a highly challenging environment.

 

NZCBIA South Island year-end event

 

On 18 December 2022, NZCBIA’s South Island branch successfully held its year-end event at Canterbury Terrace Downs Resort.

The event brought together 21 professionals, including property developers, land surveyors, architects, quantity surveyors, civil engineers and structural engineers. Over lunch, they discussed the progress of property projects and the issues encountered in 2022, and shared their market expectations and views for 2023.

After lunch, 8 property and construction professionals held a round-table meeting. Guided by NZCBIA’s mission and vision, they discussed plans for the South Island branch’s activities in 2023. In the new year, the branch will focus its activities on three areas:

• The board: the board will lead the organisation of several seminars on specialist topics;
• Corporate members: a platform will be provided for members to showcase and promote their products and services;
• Authoritative professional organisations: organisations such as city councils, established architectural practices and construction firms will be invited to share important current industry trends and information.