A WORD FROM OUR ACTING CHAIR

Hello ABC members,

Well summer has officially ended; leaves are changing colour and now we are starting to have good weather - go figure.

The impact of global conflicts has certainly hit, and unfortunately it looks like we have to endure the pain for some time yet. The pressures that this can bring cannot be understated, and just like we did during the Covid lockdowns, we need to make sure that we look after ourselves, family, colleagues and strangers - as we all manage pressures differently. 

If you need someone to talk to or just reach out, and if you see someone who might be struggling - do the same, as that person may be you in the future. 

Over recent months the Committee has been actively looking at internal processes and looking at improving any gaps, and this is obviously not something that should be rushed, as we need to ensure that any changes are for the betterment of the Association and its members. So even though you may not see much happening, there is a lot of work being done by the Committee members.

Conference 2026 “Building Confidence through Competency” is nearly upon us, and we are aiming to build on the successes of Auckland 2025 and bring you more exciting speakers and insightful topics. If you haven't registered or booked your travel, do it now, and if you want to be a speaker, let us know.

Participants of the Stage 2 of the Level 4 Certificate in Building Compliance course are halfway through, and it is quite amazing the little technical things we are learning. The cohort is a diverse group of about 18 people from all parts of the compliance industry, so many diverse perspectives and colourful discussions. If you haven't signed up, I would strongly urge you to, it’s an easy way to become better informed with the support of your peers.

Our Forums and trainings have ramped up, so please see inclusions in this newsletter for further details.

Ngā mihi nui,

Lyall Senior

Vice-Chair, Association of Building Compliance

AN UPDATE FROM OUR CEO

Kia ora koutou katoa, 

It has been a busy last month with our roadshow and online workshops on our new Code of Practice Passive Fire Protection Inspections. Over 600 people attended these sessions, it was really pleasing to see. I would like to thank Rob Holland for giving his time to assist me in the presentations to get our message across, "this is a tool for your toolbox, you don't have to use it." The one thing that I took away from the sessions is that IQP's do often do a risk-based approach to inspections but it is not documented or approved. Some call it "industry practice", but will that hold up in a court of law? I think that people got this message and now we are moving into the implementation phase of the Code of Practice. We will be rolling out some training on this as part of our Passive Training course. I encourage those working in this space to come along and refresh their skills and learn how to implement the Code of Practice.

Owners of building who contract IQP's to do inspections and the public who use the buildings ultimately feel that when they see the BWOF certificate on the wall, that the building has been 100% inspected and it is safe. I recall a comment from Justice Fred McElrea, " I accept that IQP's need to be made aware that they are ultimately responsible for the safety of the public." That a big weight to carry on the shoulders of IQP's but it is a fact that we can't shrug off. You have an important role to play in the Built environment ecosystem.

That leads me on to my second topic that has keep me busy in answering emails, Competency of IQP's. Our presentation at last year's conference was well received on this topic and everyone in the room agreed that Competency assessments for IQP's are needed. Why? NZ Inc wants to know that the people who are keeping our buildings safe are competent to do so. Other professions have been conducting competency assessments for years including BCA officers. They use the National Competency Assessment System, which we have used to help develop the IQP Competency assessment framework. The days of saying, "I have been doing this for 25 years, of course I am competent" is no longer acceptable by the public or authorities. They both need to know that you have the knowledge and you have kept up with innovations, Standards and legislation changes in the industry. Other professions do it and as our work involves life safety and health safety, we really need to prove we are competent. We need to turn our focus to this area and led it ourselves as we have been doing before others in power do it for us. I look forward to conducting sessions in the near future on how to demonstrate competency using the IQP Competency Framework.

Please take a moment to complete the training survey at the end of this newsletter. Your feedback will help guide our future training and planning, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our members.

Lastly, I am pleased to announce that our Keynote speaker for our conference is Elizabeth Sieverts from Sydney Airport. Elizabeth is a fire engineer who previously worked in NZ with Beca. She now lives and works in Sydney and is busy tackling challenges in Sydney Airport, one of the main ones is keeping the building compliant while undergoing alterations. Elizabeth will be speaking about these challenges and more. I hope you will enjoy her presentation which will be very relevant to issues we are facing here in NZ with buildings still occupied while alterations take place.

Noho ora mai,

Trent Fearnley

29–30 July, Christchurch Town Hall

Join us in Christchurch for ABC Conference 2026, a two-day event bringing together industry leaders, regulators, educators, and practitioners to explore how competency builds confidence, strengthens compliance, and earns trust.

With public safety and accountability under increasing scrutiny, this conference focuses on expertise that matters, where compliance is a culture, not a checkbox, and confidence is built through credible, consistent practice. Guided by the theme He waka eke noa – one direction, one team, we’ll look ahead to a safer, stronger, and smarter built environment.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the BWoF industry and register now!

EARLYBIRD PRICING FINISHING 31 May 2026

EARLYBIRD REGISTRATIONS

Upcoming Training Workshops - Register NOW!

Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your professional development - so register today!  

More workshops to be added - including in our Fire and Smoke Separations workshops with learnings from our Code of Practice: Passive Fire Protection (coming May/June) - WATCH THIS SPACE!

ONLINE

Friday 1 May - Signage for Compliance SS14.2 & SS15.4 - Half-day workshop

Friday 1 May - Compliance Schedule Best Practice - Half-day workshop

Complete both Half-day workshops and save 15%!

Thursday 18 June - Means of Escape to a Final Exit - Half-day workshop

Thursday 18 June - Emergency Lighting - Half day workshop

Complete both Half-day workshops and save 15%!

Friday 6 November - Understanding a Fire Engineering Design Report - Full-day workshop

WELLINGTON

Friday 24 April - HVAC and Smoke Control - requirements for SS5, SS9, SS11 and SS13 - Full day workshop

CHRISTCHURCH

Tuesday 12 May - Means of Escape to a Final Exit - Half day workshop

Tuesday 12 May - Smoke Control for Compliance SS13.1, SS13.2 and SS13.3 - Half day workshop

Complete both Half-day workshops and save 15%!

Thursday 11 June - Automatic Doors for Compliance SS3.1 - Half day workshop

Thursday 11 June - Egress Control SS3.2 - Half day workshop

Complete both Half-day workshops and save 15%!

DUNEDIN

Thursday 14 May - Smoke Control for Compliance SS13.1, SS13.2 and SS13.3 - Half day workshop

To view the full list of our courses (including cost and times) click here:  Workshops/Seminars » Association of Building Compliance (abciqp.org.nz)

 If you have any queries regarding the above workshops or require further assistance please email us - admin@abciqp.org.nz 

Certificate in Building Compliance

The new NZQA approved course is live. Be the first to get on the course and qualified with the new qualification.  Please contact Helen at Future Skills at helen.hegley@futureskills.co.nz or call 0800 550 410. For more information about the courses, enrolment options and fees please click here. 

Thank you to everyone who attended this practical webinar on the ABC Members IQP Draft Contract, developed in collaboration with Chloe Wilson at Steindle Williams Legal.

The session explored the risks of confirming work without a formal contract, walked through key contract clauses and their purpose, and highlighted how a well-structured contract can help manage liability and protect your business. We appreciated the strong engagement and valuable discussion from attendees.  

This document is now available to view on our website through our Members Only page - IQP Contract presentation video and draft document

Registrations for our 2026 Regional Forums are open year-round—don’t forget to register your attendance for the next round of sessions. These sessions are designed to encourage open discussion, strengthen connections between IQPs, councils, and industry stakeholders, and promote greater consistency and understanding across regions. 

All Forums are free to attend (CPD points and certificates for ABC members)

 Click here  to secure your spot and stay connected throughout the year! 

If there is a particular topic you’d like us to cover in future sessions—or if you would like to speak at a forum—please let us know!

Thank you to everyone who has attended over the month one of our Roadshows on the new Code of Practice for Passive Fire Protection Inspections. We have enjoyed discussing the practical applications, sharing guidance, and hearing your questions and insights. Your participation has been invaluable, and we look forward to supporting you as the Code is implemented in the future.

A video presentation of the Roadshow is now available to view on our website

Click here to view presentation  COP Passive Fire Roadshow

If you have an outstanding invoice, we encourage you to make payment as soon as possible.  As a non-profit organisation, timely payment is important and helps us to continue delivering services and support to members.  Invoices and payment options are available by logging in and accessing the invoice through your organisation.  If you require support or wish to discuss a payment arrangement, please contact our team at accounts@abciqp.org.nz

Please note, membership and training certificates cannot be issued until payment has been received.

We are delighted to welcome our new members to the Association.  Additions to our community are exciting, and we look forward to both sharing our expertise and learning from your experiences.  We are committed to continuous improvement and development, and we believe that together, we can achieve great strides in building compliance excellence.

We are pleased to confirm that we have rolled out an ABC member specific Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Statutory Liability scheme.

The policy cover and wordings have been designed and drafted specifically for ABC members to address the specific risks that IQP’s have. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

We invite you to complete the questions below and submit your responses.  We aim to use this information to further guide our training and planning to ensure we are meeting member needs.

GAIN AN NZQA ACCREDITED QUALIFICATION THAT IS UNIQUE, RELEVANT, AND INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC.

The first of its kind, this 20-week programme allows you to study while working in the field. Gain the core expertise you need to operate effectively in the building compliance environment, as an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) or Building Compliance Officer.

*** Are you an ABC member? Get 10% discount on course fees ***

Got more than one staff member wanting to do the course? Pay for 3 registration and get the 4Th free - use code ABCMEM43. they can be on different courses, just contact Helen to get more information helen.hegley@futureskills.co.nz

See the Future Skills website for more information Certificate in Building Compliance (Level 4) - Future Skills 

Fire Engineering with Future Skills

Future Skills will be delivering new qualifications in fire engineering. They will be starting in early in the New Year with the first being the Diploma in Fire Engineering. They will also be delivering Micro-credentials in Fire Engineering, starting with Building Means of Escape (Level 6). 

Micro-credentials are small, stand-alone awards that recognize specific skills and knowledge. They are designed to meet the needs of learners, employers, and industries, and are part of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Want to more of what's happening in this space, read our new article here.