A Word from the Chair

Tēnā koutou katoa (Greetings to you all)

I hope this message finds you all well and continuing to thrive in your professional endeavours.

I am pleased to share with you updates from our recent committee activities.

The Association has grown significantly over the last 2 years and we have seen an increase in the number of council members (Affiliate members). To reflect this increase in membership the Committee would like to explore representation of this group on the sitting committee in order to view the benefits that this may bring the Association. The Committee have agreed to the secondment of a council member to the sitting committee and after putting this forward to various councils we have selected Darryl Nicol from Wellington City Council. This secondment role is fixed term and will be evaluated with a view to permanently include this position on the Committee if we feel it has benefits for the Association and its members. This position, if confirmed, would involve a change to our constitution and an election process as per other positions on the committee and will be carried out at the next AGM.

In March, we had the privilege of convening our first in-person meeting in Auckland at the Future Skills offices in Manukau, Auckland. I would like to express our gratitude to Future Skills for their generosity in allowing us to use their facilities, which greatly contributed to the success of our gathering. We focused on several key areas crucial to the advancement of our association and its members. We discussed and began planning a series of upcoming training sessions and seminars that aim to enhance the expertise and skills within our industry, please keep an eye on our website and your emails for details. Additionally, we confirmed finer details regarding our partnerships that will strengthen our association’s outreach and support network.

Another important topic of our discussion was our annual conference sponsored by Future Skills. We finalised more components of this year’s event which will be held in Auckland. Our conference is a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and collaboration and I encourage all members to attend.

Moreover, we addressed membership strategies and business planning. These initiatives are vital for fostering a sustainable and dynamic organisation that effectively meets the needs of all its members.

In industry news, our team frequently receives requests for copies of standards. We want to clarify that while we are unable to distribute full copies of the standards we hold, we are more than happy to guide you on how to obtain them. Most standards are accessible online via Standards NZ for a fee or your local library using BorrowBox. This functions similarly to a library card by renting the document to you electronically for a time period. You can also visit your local library to consult a hard copy. While this is convenient, all practicing IQPs should have on hand copies of all their applicable standards, both past and present, for which they are registered for. The ABC website also hosts a number of free resources including relevant industry codes of practice and determinations for your use.  

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to building compliance excellence. We are confident that with these efforts, the Association will continue to grow and provide significant benefits to you our members and our community.

Ngā mihi nui

Laura Williams

Chair

Kia ora koutou,

Introducing Our Exciting New Bronze Partner Category!

We are thrilled to announce the introduction of our new Bronze Partner category, offering businesses an excellent opportunity to engage with the building compliance industry at an affordable level. This initiative allows organizations to align with the Association of Building Compliance while enjoying a range of valuable benefits.

Bronze Partner Details

Annual Price: $2,500.00 + GST per annum.

 Some of our Bronze Partner Benefits:

• Automatic Annual Partnership Renewal – Enjoy a seamless partnership experience without the hassle of renewing each year.
• Corporate Membership Included – Gain access to our resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
• Exclusive Invitation – Receive one invite to our prestigious annual Partner Function, an excellent opportunity for networking and industry collaboration.
• Brand Exposure – Your company logo will be featured in our monthly newsletter, in the conference brochure, and on the partner PPT slide at all ABC events, increasing your visibility among industry professionals.

This new category offers a flexible and accessible way for businesses to gain valuable recognition and actively engage with the industry. If you're looking for an opportunity to showcase your brand and support the compliance sector, our Bronze Partnership is the perfect solution!

For more details on Partnership with ABC and to access the Partner Application Pack please visit our website HERE or to express your interest, please contact admin@abciqp.org.nz. We look forward to welcoming our inaugural Bronze Partners and strengthening our industry together!

Nga mihi ora mai,

The ABC Team

UPCOMING TRAINING WORKSHOPS – REGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE!

We are excited to announce our upcoming scheduled online workshops over the next couple of months to provide greater flexibility and convenience. These workshops are designed to enhance your skills, update your industry knowledge, and help with your IQP registration. Whether you're aiming to upskill or update your qualifications, our sessions offer valuable insights and networking opportunities to keep you leading in building compliance.

Don't miss this opportunity to advance your professional development. Register now!

Thursday 10 April 2025 – HVAC and Smoke Control – requirements for SS5, SS9, SS11 and SS13 – Christchurch - Full Day Workshop - 8.30am - 4.30pm.

This workshop will look at the various types of ventilation systems that are included under the Specified Systems. It will simplify the numerous requirements and focus on the inspection criteria. The workshop will cover the Building Act and Building Code relating mechanical ventilation, NZBC G4 Ventilation requirements and compliance, Basis HVAC design criteria, Smoke Control Systems, Fire Dampers, Stairwell Pressurisation, Fume Cupboards and HVAC Interface with fire safety features.

 Wednesday 30 April 2025 - SS15/3 and SS15/5 Fire and Smoke Separations - Introduction to Passive Fire Protection - Christchurch - Half Day Workshop - 8.00am - 12.00pm

This course is a step-by step guide through the purpose and broad concepts of Passive Fire Protection providing a general understanding of the different elements that make up passive fire systems for different buildings, types of construction, fire stopping systems, fire rated dampers, fire rated ducting, fire rated structural elements and the latest trends and products. Suitable as a general introduction or refresher on passive fire protection.

Wednesday 30 April 2025 - SS15/3 and SS15/5 Fire and Smoke Separations - Inspect, Maintain and Report - Christchurch - Half Day Workshop - 1.00pm - 4.30pm

This workshop looks at the BWOF requirements relating to Passive Fire inspections and reporting. What and where inspection personnel are obliged to inspect under the BWOF and compliance regime. This workshop includes the purpose and components of fire stopping systems, how to approach the process and procedures of inspections. Essential areas in a building to inspect and why, a practical look at common defects and maintenance, key points regarding fire and smoke doors, what inspectors should know in relation to fire rated dampers, duct protection and fire stopping of service penetrations, information recommended for compliance schedule document.

REGISTER FOR BOTH THE PASSIVE FIRE WORKSHOPS AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT!

Thursday 8 & Friday 9 May 2025 - IQP Backflow Prevention Workshop - Christchurch - Full Day Workshops - 8.00am - 4.30pm.

This course is intended for those who want to register with Councils to become IQP certified in Backflow prevention and gain the following Unit Standards:
NZQA Unit Standard 23847 - Prepare to test, and inspect and test, water supply backflow prevention devices.
NZQA Unit Standard 23848 - Describe suitability, installation, and testing of water supply backflow prevention devices, and fault identification.
It is a 2-day workshop with 16 hours of self-directed learning via Google Classroom.

Friday 9 May 2025 - SS7 Automatic Backflow Preventers - Refresher Theory and Practical - Christchurch - Full Day Workshop - 8.00am - 2.30pm

This is a 1-day workshop with theory and practical hands-on testing.

Register here:  Workshops/Seminars » Association of Building Compliance (abciqp.org.nz)

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

Conference 2025 - Auckland

We are excited to announce that we will be having Nat Andrews back as our keynote speaker this year. He will be supported by an exciting list of speakers, representing almost the whole of the compliance sector. The list is 90% confirmed and we are aiming to have our delegates brochure out in the next week. 

Our speaker list includes Nat Andrews (Certifiers2U), Michael Belsham (Belsham Fire), John Lucas (Insurance Council), Ryan Cooper (Chair South Is IQP register), Kerry Highsted and Michael Duce (Clevertronics), Shane Rogers (Orbitz), Danilo Macedo (Nelligan), Navin Jayasinghe and Brendon Findlay (Auckland Council), Lesley Chen (IANZ), Prashant Patel and Rob Holland (Nelligan).

Our exhibitor brochure is out now and can be downloaded here. You can also view all the conference details on our conference website. Check out our site for those exhibitors already confirmed. We have 9 exhibitors already locked in for you with a few more in the pipeline. Sponsorship details are also on the exhibitor brochure.

Association of Building Compliance 2025 Conference: "Unified Compliance - Strengthening Standards across the BWOF industry"

We are excited to announce the Association of Building Compliance's flagship event next year, our 2025 Conference: "Unified Compliance - Strengthening Standards across the BWOF industry". Next year’s conference is dedicated to Uniting all IQP’s and Councils with a common goal of building compliance and building a cohesive framework for compliance through collaboration and standardised laws.

One direction, one team – He waka eke noa.

This event will bring together Independently Qualified Persons (IQPs), Council representatives and others with a shared vision of enhancing building compliance through collaboration and standardised laws. Together, we can build a cohesive framework for compliance that ensures the safety and reliability of buildings across our communities.

Conference Key Highlights:

• Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from leading experts who will share their insights on the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies in building compliance.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, industry leaders, and innovators in the building compliance field.
• Interactive Workshops: Participate in engaging workshops designed to equip you with knowledge and new skills to apply in your role.

Registration Now Open! We are pleased to inform you that our registration portal is now open. Secure your spot to be part of this pivotal event that promises to shape the future of Building Compliance in New Zealand. We are offering Extra Earlybird pricing until 28 February 2025 (same price as our 2024 Earlybird price).

To register, please visit our website and to the conference section here. Early bird registrations are available until 1 July, offering special rates to our members, affiliates, and partner association members.

In relation to accommodation options, we have secured a Delegate rate for you at the Grand Millennium Hotel with a special price. View your accommodation options here.

Do not miss out on this opportunity to be at the forefront of building compliance, innovation, and excellence. Join us in setting new standards and contributing to a safer, more compliant future. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an insightful and transformative event.

Conference 2024 Presentations and Videos now online

The conference presentations and videos are now available to view for all paid conference delegates. You should see a Tab on the top our webpage - "Conference 2024". This Tab is only available to conference delegates.

We are delighted to welcome our new members to the Association. Your addition to our community is 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.