Fletcher to buy rival Higgins
Fletcher Building has gained clearance from the Commerce
Commission to acquire Higgins Group Holdings, the rival
construction company, after dropping Horokiwi Quarries from its
application to reduce its dominance in the aggregates market.
The Commerce Commission clearance has given Fletcher to
acquire Higgins' road surfacing and road maintenance, civil
structure and construction products, including most of its
aggregates and bitumen businesses. Higgins will transfer the
ready-mix and property businesses to its existing shareholders
before the acquisition.
''Higgins and Fletcher Building are key competitors of aggregate
products in particular regions,''
''However, we consider that strong competition would continue in
these regions from existing competitors and the ability of
customers to self-supply.'' said Mark Berry, Commission Chair.
Fletcher also amended its application to exclude Horokiwi Quarries, a 50-50 joint venture between Higgins and Fulton Hogan. It
operates three quarries in Wellington, after the commission identified the manufacture and supply of aggregates from quarries as its
key competition concern in a statement of preliminary issues in February.
Fletcher Building has not stated whether the changes would affect the $315 million price it has agreed to pay for Higgins. Fletcher
Building shares also closed at $8.58 after the announcement. Based on the consensus of 11 analysts polled by Reuters, the stock
now is rated a ''buy''.
Building and Construction forecasting until 2021
Two reports and a web tool were released by the Tertiary
Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce and
Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith, to assist planning in
New Zealand's building and construction sector.
Over the past months, much is speculated with the booming
activities and projects around the New Zealand construction
industry and market.
The National Construction Pipeline Report is the annual
publication which forecasts the value of building and construction,
by region and by type, for the next six years. It covers residential
and non-residential projects planned by the government, local
government and the private sector.
For those who are looking into statistics of different projects and activities, the 4 th National Construction Pipeline Report 2016 – 2021
would be a useful report to review. The other companion report, the Future Demand for Construction Workers, is another great report
which look into the different construction professionals involved, the percentage involved and needed.
The web tool of the National Construction Projections enables anyone to search the forecasts for the construction-related
occupations, by each of the regions specified in the National Construction Pipeline 2016, to the end of 2021. The web tool is located
on http://constructionprojections.mbie.govt.nz.
www.aucklandbuildexpo.com
Uplifting signs for Auckland’s cranes sector
Cranes don’t always make national headlines, so many may be
surprised that the industry has drawn a lot of attention in recent
months.
For example, the New Zealand Herald ran several articles earlier
this year on the growing presence of cranes being erected across
Auckland. These were based on Rider Levett Bucknall’s (RLB)
Crane Index, which found that there were 47 operating cranes in
Auckland – a record number.
This ‘boom’ in cranes is being witnessed around the entire
country, with RLB reporting a total of 98 cranes in operation in
New Zealand. This is an increase of 24% from Q4 2015.
An increasing number of cranes can only mean positive signs for Auckland’s building sector, but many will be asking: do we have the
fully qualified workforce to meet this demand? It is forecast that around 330 new workers are needed in the sector by 2020 to meet
employment growth and replacement demand. Around half of these workers are expected to be required in Auckland.
A total of 1,300 people was employed in the Cranes and Elevated Platforms industry last year. Encouragingly, employment in the sector
has grown by around 2.8% each year since 2011 (overall employment in New Zealand grew at a rate of 1.6% over the same period).
But what is most positive is the long-term outlook on this industry’s workforce. The Skills Organisation currently has approximately
3,139 trainees actively completing qualifications in the cranes sector.
This represents a massive growth from just 752 trainees this time last year. The number of cranes in Auckland may be growing, but
with the industry’s qualified workforce also showing impressive growth to match, the future of Auckland’s building sector looks to be in
safe
hands.
The Skills Organisation is the industry training organisation overseeing cranes, elevated platforms, rigging, rope access, and
scaffolding – along with numerous other industries – in New Zealand. Come and visit us at Auckland Build Expo 2016!
Business opportunities in Auckland under Construction
With the region and the country as a whole under construction.
There is an urgency for more housing and infrastructure to carry
an ever-increasing population.
Granted, it will now rely heavily on related businesses to supply
and fuel the momentum.
Richard O'Brien of nzbizbuysell says commercial opportunities
abound in booming construction times – especially if you are in
the business of providing the likes of windows, plumbing,
electrical, appliances, carpet, joinery, concrete, timber and
hardware.
The list is never-ending; from doorknobs to driveways, quality
products and workmanship will be sought after in ample
quantities. Labour services are in equally competitive demand.
Nzbizbuysell has a constantly evolving portfolio of businesses for sale in these sectors, listed by business brokers and private sellers.
''This could be a great time to buy an Auckland business that services this sector,'' he says. ''Either directly or indirectly, there will be a
lot of money pumping in – and now is the time to secure a slice of the pie.''
''Conversely, if you are looking to sell a business in Auckland, right now couldn't be a better time, while demand is high, profit margins
up and future sales looking good.''
A good example is the Christchurch rebuild which rode the opportunistic wave in the construction industry, with some companies still
stretched to meet demand. Many businesses have expanded out of necessity. In similar trends, demand will only become greater in
Auckland as activity gains traction.
www.aucklandbuildexpo.com
Finalists reflect significant contribution of women to construction industry
Women are making huge strides in New Zealand’s construction
sector with the 37 finalists in the second annual Hays NAWIC
Excellence Awards reflecting the increasingly significant
contribution being made by women across the industry.
The awards, which will be held at Mac’s Function Centre in
Wellington on 14th September, aim to celebrate the achievements
of women in construction as well as honouring those
organisations which are redressing the industry’s gender
imbalance.
NAWIC president Donna Howell says the finalists are changing
the face of the construction industry while highlighting the huge
variety of successful career paths available to women across the
sector.
“It was incredibly difficult to select the finalists from such a high
standard of entries. This is a reflection on the increasing numbers
of highly talented women who are making their mark on the
construction industry.
“The finalists are a truly inspiring group of women who are
committed to excellence while giving back to the wider
community. They are blazing a trail for other women to follow
them into this vibrant and exciting industry.”
New Zealand’s building boom has seen more women than ever
before taking up tools and joining the construction industry. The
number of women in the construction sector has doubled to 17
per cent over the last 15 years and is continuing to grow with
women now making up 12 per cent of trades apprentices.
The awards have six categories which cover a wide range of roles across the industry. The finalists in each category are:
The Helen Tippett Award – Gabby Bush (CPB Contractors), Deidre Johns (EchoChill), Toni Lea (Fletcher Building), Megan Rule (South Pacific
Architecture), and Alex Cutler (New Zealand Green Building Council)
Tradeswoman of the Year - Sharlene Rowe (Stevenson Construction Materials), Mi’easha Sutton (Venture Developments Ltd), and Carmen Saunders
(McIntosh Builders Ltd)
Professional Woman of the Year – Rula Alatia (Jasmax), Kerry Griffiths (AECOM), Cherie Leckner (Fulton Hogan), Lynne Makepeace (Fletcher
Construction), Sarah McDonald (Fletcher Construction), Ellie Porteous (G J Gardner Homes), Karen Sanderson (Beca), Hannah Schofield (Hawkins
Group), Leah Singer (Entwine Group), Antonia Speight (Acuite), Flavia Wolf (Fletcher Construction) and Bonnie Yee (Hawkins Group)
Outstanding Achievement in Design – Sarah Bryant (Jasmax), Vanessa Carswell (Warren and Mahoney Architects), Gemma Collins (Fletcher
Construction) and Irina Holleran (Fulton Hogan)
Excellence in Construction Administration – Aimee Chikunda (Jennian Homes), Karin Cunningham (Plumbing World), Carolyn Pitman (Fletcher
Construction), Susy Pride (Johnstone Construction), Dorothy Walker (BCITO), Jane Taylor (SCIRT- City Care)
Student/Apprentice Excellence Award – Philippa Barr (Victoria University of Wellington), Georgia Bartley (Victoria University of Wellington), Vanessa
Coxhead (Victoria University of Wellington), Lydia Stewart (Aaron Stewart Builders), Natalie Thornton (City Decorators), Anna Fenton (Fletcher
Construction) and Tabitha Ward (Wilsons Carpet Court)
Visit the NAWIC website for further information – www.nawic.org.nz
www.aucklandbuildexpo.com
Interview with Māori and Pacific Trade Training:Auckland, Our Partner
1. Can you give a brief introduction to your association?
We are the collaborative partners between 16 organizations who
are committed to provide a seamless pathway for Maori and
Pasifika Trainees into certified careers in the trades.
2. What makes the Māori and Pacific Trade Training:Auckland
differ than other training programmes or institutes out there?
Rather than being different from other training providers, we work
with existing providers and support trainee success by providing
wrap around support to reduce barriers and enable success.
We also work collaboratively with our communities to destigmatise the trades as a viable career path.
Response by Mr. Kirk Sargent, Project Manager of Māori
and Pacific Trade Training:Auckland.
3. What challenges do Māori or Pasifika encounter when they want to enter the trade industry?
The trades are not always seen as a valuable and worthwhile career, often being viewed as a low-end job. MPTT along with our
partners seek to raise the profile of the trades. We also enable trainee engagement by reducing the cost of training and provide fees
free scholarships and a tools grant to ensure trainees are well prepared for the workforce.
4. In response to the last question, How can the Māori and Pacific Trade Training:Auckland help the Māori and Pasifika to
overcome the challenges?
We work with parents and families to make sure there is a clear understanding of the opportunities available in the trades.
5. Can you provide us the percentage of Māori or Pasifika working in trades in New Zealand currently?
6. Coming to Auckland Build Expo 2016, what are your expectations?
We'll approach this on two fronts:
- Employers aren't always sure where to go or who to talk to when they need employees. We're keen to engage in conversations with
them and make sure they know we are available and keen connect them with trainees.
- Trainees may not know what the options and opportunities that are open to them. We'll happily to talk to them and their families.
www.aucklandbuildexpo.com
The other associations that are also on board with Auckland Build 2016 Expo!
Auckland Architecture Association
The Auckland Architecture Association is an organisation
advocating for good quality architecture and urban design in
Auckland and has been in existence for nearly 50 years.
Most significantly it runs the Visionary Design Awards, an annual
event that attracts entries from both architecture students and the
profession throughout New Zealand.
Formally known as the Unbuilt Awards, these showcase exciting
architectural ideas, projects on the drawing boards or those that
were never built. This years awards will once again be held in the
Auckland Art Gallery in early December.
The AAA also regularly comments on architectural issues in the media as well as running regular tours of significant heritage or recent
award winning architecture.
Membership is free and for more information on activities, awards and tours, as well as news on important architecture for sale, visit
the website at aaa.org.nz
Design Association of New Zealand
The Design Association has supported
development of designers since 1946.
the
professional
Back then it was known as the NZ Institute of Draughtsmen. We
are a membership organisation of people interested and
practising in design.
This includes architectural and engineering designers within New
Zealand and overseas. Today we are run by a board of directors
(who are practitioners just like you).
Membership is open to individuals who are interested or practising
in design. Our Members include self-employed Designers through
to Members working within multinationals.
Our members enjoy multi-channel communication with other likeminded individuals within the design industry; providing great
support and networking. We welcome all membership inquiries.
http://www.danz.co.nz/
www.aucklandbuildexpo.com
BDO
ABOUT BDO AUCKLAND
We are a “full service” Chartered Accounting and Advisory firm,
with three offices across the City of Sails. We are located in the
CBD (Albert Street), Takapuna (Como St) and East Tamaki (Harris
Road).
With 30 Partners and over 250 staff we look after a wide group of
clients including mid-market and SME businesses, those which
are predominantly owner operated, as well as larger organisations
and companies. There’s no “typical” client at BDO – we’re
delighted to look after any business with a need for exceptional
accounting, tax and audit service.
About BDO New Zealand
BDO New Zealand is part of the national network of BDO, an association of 15 independent member firms. This means that the 30
Auckland Partners own and operate the Auckland Firm and are very much focused on delivering the best for our clients and staff. Our
national network is very strong, with offices from Kerikeri to Invercargill, over 85 Partners and 800 staff. We link into the international
network of BDO, the world’s fifth largest accountancy network with offices in over 135 countries worldwide.
What do we do
BDO offers the following core accounting services:
Business Advisory (general accounting & advisory services)
Taxation Services
Audit & Assurance
We also have Partners with specialist expertise in:
Corporate Finance (mergers & acquisitions, valuations, due diligence)
Information Systems (IT Audit, software selection & implementation, training)
Risk Advisory Services (Internal & External Audit, IT fraud, corporate fraud)
Insolvency & Business Recovery (Corporate restructuring, voluntary administration, receiverships; liquidations)
Being a good corporate citizen
We believe being in business in Auckland means supporting our local community. We have a number of sponsorship and pro bono
relationships with Auckland art, sport and community organisations: The Auckland Theatre Company, The Vodafone Warriors,
Waterfront Theatre Trust, Kea New Zealand’s world class NZ network, Hockey NZ, Tour of Northland, Comedy Festival, Wellington to
Auckland Cycle Challenge.
https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/home
www.aucklandbuildexpo.com
Crowd Reviews
CrowdReviews.com is a transparent online platform for
determining which products and services are the best based on
the opinion of the crowd. The crowd consists of Internet users
which have experienced products and services first-hand and
have an interest in letting other potential buyers their thoughts on
their experience.
http://www.crowdreviews.com/
CrowdReviews.com is driven by an algorithm allowing for both
customers and providers of products and services to understand
how the rankings are determined. The service can be used by
potential buyers to learn more about their vendors prior to making
a purchasing decision.
All Supporting Partners of Auckland Build Expo 2016
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