NYC observation deck

Work is nearing completion on a supertall skyscraper in New York City that will boast the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.  The observation deck itself is named the Edge and is located near the top of the tower at the 100th floor, which is a height of 344 m. It juts out 24.8 m and measures 696 sq m. It has a large glazed section at its centre and angled glass walls allowing visitors to lean out over the city streets below.

Structurally, the observation deck consists of 278 sq m of glass, divided into 79 panels that were made in Germany and Italy. Each panel is 2.7 m tall and weighs 544 kg. The whole thing is bolted together and anchored to the east- and south-facing sides of the skyscraper and weighs in at 346,998 kg.

The Edge is due to open in March 2020, and if you’re so inclined, you can book your tickets now.

We’re in print

Building Today is the construction industries foremost monthly news source. Published 11x per year it is the official magazine of the Registered Master Builders Association and has a targeted circulation of 13,000. From next year you will see four articles a year from us. Here is our article in their latest magazine

90-day trials

Until now, it has been generally assumed that a 90-day trial clause must state a date when the trial starts.  A recent decision of the Employment Court gives more clarity.   Read more here

H&S workshop

We’re very excited to offer you this H&S workshop, facilitated by Kenneth Hannon from Advicewise.  We’ve focused on two topics that we know you want some help with.  See details below.  With limited places we recommend you buy your tickets now – $150+GST.

Programme:  3pm to 5pm (followed by drinks)

Effective Contractor Management: How to turn historical working relationships into formally agreed conditions of engagement in relation to health and safety, together with gathering and understanding of the contractors own safety program. The session will also address how to qualify new contract service providers and minimum documentation requirements.

How to answer a Site Safe – SiteWise pre-qualification questionnaire: Answering the 12 SiteWise pre-qualification questions. Reference will be made to the relevant documentation in the members health and safety programme and details of requirements to address in order to achieve a high score / rating.

PLUS each workshop will include some real life learnings from Metro/Viridian/Woods

Each workshop will be followed by some drinks/nibbles

Auckland (Tuesday 12 Nov):
Fairway Events Centre,17a Silverfield (behind Northshore Events Centre)

Wellington (Wednesday 13 Nov):
Quality Inn Angus, CNR Waterloo Rd. & Cornwall St., Lower Hutt

Christchurch (Thursday 14 Nov): Commodore Airport Hotel, 449 Memorial Ave, Burnside

Register/pay here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/health-safety-workshop-tickets-74918405969




Winners are grinners

Friday night was the NAWIC Excellence Awards (National Association of Women in Construction) for 2019. Shout out to:

Gillian Darroch (Metro) – Highly Commended

Eleanor Jackson (Viridian) – finalist

Kathryn Kitchen (Fisher Aluminium, Gisborne) – WINNER

Construction Pipeline

Released this week the National Construction Pipeline report provides a forward view of national building and construction activity over a six-year period.  Key predictions:

  • Construction activity growth is forecast to continue through to 2021.
  • Residential building activity in Auckland is forecast to continue to grow.
  • Non-residential building activity is forecast to peak in 2021.
  • Infrastructure activity is forecast to overtake non-residential activity by 2023.

Access the full report here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.




Bill to clarify Holidays Act and PLEPA

The Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2), which aims to amend the Employment Relations Act 2000, the Holidays Act 2003, and the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, (PLEPA) has passed its second reading in Parliament.  Read more here