Builders and other tradies converge on the capital

25 May 2016

Builders and other tradies converge on the capital for massive trade conference and expo

With building and housing issues high on the public agenda, New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) is holding its 18th annual conference and expo in Wellington over 26-28 May.

Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith will open the conference to over 500 delegates on Friday 27 May and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown will close the conference onSaturday 28 May.

Before the conference gets underway, members of the public are invited to a free tradie expo on Thursday 26 May (3.30-5.30pm), which includes over 70 building and construction industry-related trade stands.

NZCB Chief Executive, Grant Florence, said this is the first time the tradie expo had been opened up to the public, catering to DIY-ers who are keen to keep up to date with the latest building industry products and services.

A highlight of the conference is the Certified Builders Carpentry Apprentice Challenge final, with 12 regional winners competing for the top spot.

While the regional events saw apprentices building children’s playhouses which were donated to local early childcare centres across New Zealand, the final event involves a panel interview and presentation, putting apprentices’ public speaking and communication skills to the test. Apprentices will also take part in a Great Apprentice Race, a fun building-related challenge and race around an obstacle circuit on Friday afternoon.

“Supporting apprentices is a major focus for NZCB, so it’s great to have the regional apprentice challenge winners join us at the conference. It’s also fitting given that one of the keynote speakers, former Mayor of Otorohanga and certified motorcycle engineer by trade, Dale Williams, will be talking about his experience in trades, training and employment, and the challenges and opportunities for young people,” said Mr Florence.

Other keynote speakers at the conference include Mike Cosman, Partner at CosmanParkes Ltd, who will be talking about obligations and opportunities in relation to the recent health & safety reforms, Clinton Cowin, TradiePad founder and CEO, who will be talking about technology use among tradies, and Dr Tom Mulholland, ‘Dr Tom on a Mission’, who will be providing tools for a healthy mind and life.

The conference also includes educational workshops for members, with topics covering building guarantees, contracts, business development and profitability, and employment matters.

“As a trade association, we’re committed to fostering best practice within the industry and to help our members adapt to regulatory change, through ongoing professional development. This is reflected in the theme of this year’s conference, ‘success through change’ and the scope of learning opportunities on offer.

“This is the value that NZCB brings as a trade association to our members and to consumers, through supporting quality workmanship and robust business practices.

“Our key point of difference is that in order to be eligible for NZCB membership, builders must be trade-qualified. This remains a major competitive advantage in a time of unprecedented demand for qualified builders and quality workmanship,” said Mr Florence.

Approximately one-third of builders in New Zealand are members of NZCB. Its members tend to be small to medium size building firms that offer a full spectrum of residential and light commercial building services.

ENDS

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