A Word from the Chair

Kia ora koutou,

In an exciting development, the Association of Building Compliance is gearing up for its next annual conference in Nelson next year which is poised to be a pivotal event in the realm of building compliance. As preparations are underway, the Association welcomes suggestions for speakers and topics from its members.

In a recent development, the New Zealand Herald has reported information about cabinet papers pertaining to the Building Warrant of Fitness regime. Following the tragic Loafers Lodge fire incident, the government has taken decisive action by introducing a new offence for inspectors who negligently issue compliance certificates.

 According to the report, this new measure will enforce fines of up to $50,000 for individual Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs), and up to $150,000 for a body corporate found in violation. While specific details are pending clarification from MBIE and/or local Territorial Authorities, this announcement underscores the urgency for IQPs to elevate their performance, and for companies to stand behind their IQPs by ensuring they have the requisite time, resources, and support to conduct thorough inspections.

The Association of Building Compliance is committed to keeping its members informed of further developments regarding this regulatory update. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

For further inquiries or to submit speaker suggestions for conference, please contact admin@abciqp.org.nz

 News article https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/fines-for-building-owners-increased-after-loafers-lodge-fire/UNXSAFLVRFCBTHIZCBSSFLVYBY/

Nga mihi nui,

Laura Williams

A Word from the CEO

Kia ora koutou,

To tautoko (support) the words from the Chair above I encourage all IQP's to increase their awareness and training so that they have the tools in their toolbox to perform a high standard of inspection for all buildings.

Due to Loafer Lodge, the Territorial Authorities have increased their audits of buildings around the country. In order to support our members I attended 3 days of audits with one council to get a perspective from the Territorials view. Unfortunately, 3 of the buildings audited had deficiencies that should of been picked up by the IQP's and unfortunately, some looked like they were missed for a few years. Fortunately, these deficiencies were not major but with the announcement by the Minister above it is a timely reminder that we must be more vigilant when doing inspections and not accept historical deficiencies. We have the tools to fix these and to make the records correct, so we implore you to always strive for improvement. The ABC is a resource for you and if you have any questions or concerns about inspections you are conducting, please contact us for advice and we will work with you to provide a solution.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the FMANZ awards dinner last week and what a great night it was to celebrate the efforts of the members of FMANZ with 5 industry awards. I congratulate all the winners and especially two members of ours also, Commercial Doors - winner of the The Service Provider of the Year Award |Te Kaiwhakawhiwhi Ratonga o te Tau and BGIS, a finalist for the The Facilities Management Team of the Year Award | Te Ranga FM o te Tau.

Nga mihi,

Trent Fearnley

October is shaping up to be a busy month. We have a lot of training happening around the country with our workshops being taken to New Plymouth and Whangarei. I hope that the locals in those areas will show their support in attending theses training workshops.

So take a look below at our offerings for October and book now to secure your place.

13 October - Palmerston North - SS15/3 & SS15/5 Fire and Smoke Separations - Passive Fire Protection

                                       Morning Introductory Workshop and afternoon Inspect, Maintain and Report Workshop

16 October - New Plymouth - HVAC and Smoke Control - requirements for SS5, SS9, SS11 and SS13

19 October - Whangarei - SS15/3 & SS15/5 Fire and Smoke Separations - Passive Fire Protection

                                       Morning Introductory Workshop and afternoon Inspect, Maintain and Report Workshop

 26 October - Auckland - Backflow Prevention IQP refresher morning            

                                                  - Backflow Inspection/Testing Practical afternoon

 ‍‍For a list of all courses throughout the year and a detail description of them, please visit our website via the link below.

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

We always pleased to see the continued growth of our association. As such, we would also like to welcome the following new members who have joined us since 1 September 2023.

We are very excited that our Annual Conference and AGM will be in Nelson next year. Planning is already underway with speakers and potential site visits. We are going to be putting out a call for papers for speakers very soon so if you have a topic that you want to share with the wider audience please, we encourage you to submit a paper for the conference. 

We hope to get the first conference delegate brochure out before Christmas. 

We look forward to seeing many of you there next year in the sunny Nelson!!!!

P.S. Why not extend your stay and enjoy some of the great offering Nelson has to offer....perhaps a winery or two, a fishing or cycling adventure or visit the famous Te Waikoropupū Springs.

Diamond Partners

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