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Infrastructure spend good start for regions

The shovel ready projects infrastructure programme will inject almost $1 billion dollars into the EMA’s region in the Upper North Island, and generate important employment opportunities. Funds allocated for as yet un-named projects will see $970 million for projects from Taupo to the Far North with the Auckland region receiving around $500 million, but EMA CEO Brett O’Riley says he expects some areas will still be disappointed as their projects have missed out. “Over 1900 projects were submitted by Councils and groups around the country and that list has been whittled down to around 150 so naturally there will be some feeling left out,” says Mr O’Riley. “At this stage there are also no large-scale nation-building type projects and that will also surprise some. “But we have seen first-hand how relatively small-scale injections of capital into projects in smaller centres such as Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki can significantly raise business and community confidence, boosting jobs across the wider region.” Mr O’Riley said the projects identified in today’s list had an emphasis more on social infrastructure and rejuvenation rather than large-scale horizontal infrastructure such as major rail, road or building programmes. “Town centre rejuvenation projects in Taupo and Whangarei are designed to give those areas a lift and make them better spaces for residents and tourist when they return, while the roading projects announced around SH30 and interchanges in Rotorua open up access to Ngati Whakaue’s planned 1,100 home affordable housing project. “The $22 million allocated to Auckland City Mission’s HomeGround facility is another with social wellbeing at its heart addressing the homeless challenge in Tamaki Makaurau. It also provides significant employment during the construction phase and ongoing operation.” Just under $700 million of the $2.6 billion allocated today is for social and community-based projects with just over $700 million allocated […]

Unless we improve the law, history shows rushing shovel-ready projects comes with real risk

Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, so too is the road to economic recovery if we don’t get it right. The Covid-19 Recovery (Fast Track Consenting) Bill, currently rushing through the parliamentary process, certainly has noble aims. In simple terms, the new law is designed to green light a number of projects that would normally take much longer to be approved under the Resource Management Act. In the process, its architects argue, it will boost employment and kickstart economic recovery. The trick will be balancing those aims with the law’s other lofty ambition “to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources”. History shows this is not always the way it goes. The past should guide us Governments often pass laws with vast powers during emergencies to drive economic recovery. The law of unintended consequences can take a lot longer to repeal. During the great depression in the 1930s, new laws to deal with mass unemployment were often degrading in practice. Unemployed people were sent far and wide from their homes to perform sometimes useless tasks. In the late 1970s, the National government of Robert Muldoon tried to reduce the country’s dependence on imports with so-called “Think Big” projects. Special laws were passed to circumvent normal planning mechanisms and we are still dealing with their economic and environmental consequences. The Clyde Dam, fast-tracked as part of the Think Big policy in the 1970s but with long-lasting problems. More recently, the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes have pushed dozens of laws to one side. This resulted in citizens and communities struggling to be heard, be treated fairly and have their rights protected under the emergency recovery process. We are now inviting the same risks with the proposed fast-track consenting law. It will be the most radical shake-up of environmental regulation in […]

What is Generative Design?

At a high-level, Generative Design is relatively simple. It is a capability of CAD applications that autonomously generates a number of design alternatives given a set number of constraints. This can be done without an engineer’s guidance or interaction, freeing them up for other tasks. Once complete, the engineers can choose which designs they want to explore more completely. In all, this accelerates the design process without detailed attention from the engineer. Related Products Generative Design Tools in Solid Edge Innovation Through Generative Design Generative Design ebook PDF Download How Generative Design and Additive Manufacturing Work Together Mother Nature’s Inspiration in Generative Design Projects Generative Design in NX Generative Design and topology optimisation Generative Design supports key capabilities for performing structural simulation and removing load-weight from empty area in materials. Siemens NX 12 generative design software embeds topology optimisation powered by convergent technology which enables unified 3D modelling capability on combinations of Facet and B-rep data. This results in lighter components without sacrificing design intent or integrity. Empowering engineers with Generative Design and facet modelling Generative Design is an cad engineering software function in which a designer collaborates with artificial intelligence algorithms to generate and evaluate hundreds of potential designs for a product idea. The Generative Design process starts with defining the goals and constraints of the project. These include, but are not limited to, design parameters such as: ⦁ product size or geometric dimensions ⦁ permissible loads and operating conditions ⦁ target weight ⦁ materials ⦁ manufacturing methods ⦁ cost per unit Benefits of building with Generative Design process By using Generative Design, engineers can create and simulate thousands of designs (many of which they may not have envisioned on their own) in a fraction of the time it would normally take. As additional benefit, the Generative Design process can yield highly […]

Workplace distancing solution to manage “next normal” manufacturing

Manufacturers are facing new challenges as they restart or maintain operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As preparations are made for the “next normal”, manufacturers must consider additional dimensions of employee safety, including the establishment of production environments and workflows that address physical distancing requirements. Combining proven hardware and software, Siemens has created a new solution that enables companies to quickly and efficiently model how employees interact with each other, the production line and plant design. The new solution also enables organisations to build an end-to-end digital twin, to simulate worker safety, iterate on and optimise workspace layouts and validate safety and efficiency measures to help future-proof production lines. With Siemens’ SIMATIC Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS), companies can continuously measure distances between workers, provide real time visual feedback to employees regarding their spacing from others and create a log of all movements and interactions over time. In this way the Siemens’ SIMATIC RTLS continuously facilitates safe distancing while providing numerous additional benefits. Combining SIMATIC RTLS with a digital twin of the actual manufacturing environment permits companies to model and simulate how employees interact with the equipment and each other, enabling them to iterate and optimise safety and productivity in the short term, and validate a redesign of the entire operation before more costly physical changes are made. In order to implement this solution, Siemens’ SIMATIC RTLS transponders are embedded in badges which are worn as personal protective equipment by all employees. RTLS receivers placed throughout the operation can then continuously track and record workforce movement. When two employees are in a risk scenario (e.g., less than six feet apart), their badges will display a warning, alerting them to the situation. The data collected over time can be analysed to identify “hot spots” where risk scenarios occur frequently. Such situations […]

It’s a Mega event

Trade show for construction, facilities management, architecture and safety industries. With the Government’s announcement to move to Covid alert Level 1, XPO Exhibitions has announced a Mega exhibition for the construction, facilities management, architecture and safety industries on 12 and 13 August 2020. The only large-scale event of its kind this year, Mega combines three shows into one, bringing together the 30 year strong BuildNZ, with Facilities Integrate and the National Safety Show. XPO Managing Director Brent Spillane notes that trade shows play a huge part in rebuilding an economy. “At no other time has an event like this been so important to the recovery of the sector. Running a large scale exhibition like this is expected to drive confidence for the trade attendance and suppliers who can once again congregate on mass, share ideas and see the latest innovations on display.” Spillane urges those in the industry to get along to the event to support local businesses, get essential education and help the industry move again. For the past five years, Facilities Integrate has serviced an important niche group of the sector, showcasing the latest integrated building technology and build / facilities servicing solutions – which presents a wonderful synergy to collocate with BuildNZ. The events all target builders, property developers, architects, specifiers and designers, and facilities managers. BuildNZ offers the largest display of building supplies and services across New Zealand. Add to that the National Safety Show which caters for all aspects of wider industry safety solutions – a topic dear to the hearts of every business owner, operation manager and health & safety professionals – to help New Zealand reduce risk and return home safely. “By combining all three shows into this Mega Event, we’re delivering everything our delegates and exhibitors look forward to every year, while […]

New job ads up -SEEK

The biggest contributors to job ad growth are Trades & Services, Administration and Office Support, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Retail & Consumer Products and Healthcare & Medical Canterbury (125.7%), Auckland (118.9%) and Wellington (112.2%) are showing increases in job ad volumes Optimism for future employment / job prospects declined 10% between February and May and is now sitting at 62% A slowly improving labour market Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK NZ comments: “With the lifting of restrictions we have seen an increase in job advertising of 133.9% in the fortnight ended 14 June, compared to the average of the month of April. Our SEEK employment data shows a direct correlation between restrictions easing and job ad volume growth. While we don’t expect to see a return of pre-COVID volumes of jobs advertised for some time yet, early numbers indicate positive signs for New Zealand’s employment market.” “Large hiring industries such as Trades & Services, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics and Healthcare & Medical made strong contributions to job ad growth in the last fortnight. We expect to see more opportunities for jobseekers in the coming weeks as businesses look to recommence their operations quickly.” “There are also some promising signs in the regions, with the majority showing an increase in job ad volumes compared to April. Canterbury (125.7%), Auckland (118.9%) and Wellington (112.2%) showed positive job ad volume growth in the last two weeks.” Where the jobs are Trades & Services: roles such as Building Trades, Labourers, Automotive Trades, Electricians and Hair & Beauty Services Information & Communication Technology: Developers/ Programmers, Business/ Systems Analysts, Software Engineering, Help Desk & IT Support and Project Management Healthcare & Medical: Psychology, Counselling & Social Work and Nursing (Aged Care and General Medical) Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics: Warehousing, Storage & Distribution, Machine […]

Can we be world class?

For more than three decades, Ian Walsh, Managing Director of Intent Group, has been driving improvements in organisations around the globe. Ian understands deeply what is required to deliver and sustain improvement. Here he shares his thoughts on what New Zealanders can do to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. I began my career in Australia, running production plants for household products. We had a good team of people, all doing their best. But every day, for varying reasons, the lines and processes would break down. Stan, the fitter, would diagnose the problem, disappear for a while, then return with the tools and equipment to fix the issue. Meanwhile, we stood around, waiting, or headed outside for longer stoppages until the next event. This was normal, and for many companies, it still is. Years later, I co-lead a technology transfer project to Japan. Living and working there was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Over 40 years since WWII, the Japanese post-war recovery was complete, nothing short of miraculous, with their GDP second in the world. They were making everything from cars to electronics. This factory, near Akashi, made paper products and on my first hands-on day, the line ran with no downtime and over 99% efficiency. It just ran and ran, humming with a sense of urgency as product kept coming off the end. We hastened around the machines, checking gauges and materials, quality testing product. Operators adjusted the equipment based on this data and charts. Everyone seemed to know what they needed to do, when and how to do it, and to communicate important information as needed. After four weeks, the line had averaged over 98% and the entire factory was operating over 97% across 13 lines! This was a revelation to me. […]

Profile: Stephanie Pretorius

Stephanie Pretorius is a Senior Consultant with business transformation specialists, Intent Group. My emphasis is on enhancing performance and alignment through continuous improvement and innovation. I am also Intent’s Service Quality Manager and develop our internal systems for engagement management. Our goal is to ensure our clients are 100% satisfied and receive the highest quality service. As were many businesses, Intent was affected to a large degree in the short-term by Covid-19. The ability to be alongside and work closely with our clients at all levels is a core part of what we do. So some of our consulting activities were restricted during the lock-down period. However, with levels easing we are now back onsite at clients and working with them to make a difference. In the recent turmoil I believe many companies have come to appreciate they need to better understand their core business and be more efficient at what they do. Their long-term sustainability depends on it. One way we help clients achieve that is by improving productivity. Opportunities we see going forward include Circular Lean for cradle to grave sustainability, and Lean Construction. The construction industry took a significant hit from Covid-19 and has had low productivity which is still an ongoing issue. I am a passionate proponent of continuous improvement. I believe in core Lean principles over tools; a focus on process (which is how businesses generate outcomes); robust problem solving to resolve at root cause; and a holistic approach from strategy deployment to daily management systems. I am a trained Toyota Kata practitioner which is a methodology for creating and experimenting towards a targeted outcome. This approach came from Mike Rother’s ground-breaking study of Toyota’s underlying management practices as to how they create the improvements they do, rather than what improvements they have created to […]

Fully funded fast-track to global growth

The EMA’s ExportNZ arm is giving 120 businesses in the export community from Taupo North the chance to fast-track their global expansion plans – just when they need it most. The EMA’s Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley, says Covid-19 has hit many of them hard, but exporters are a tenacious and innovative bunch who are always looking for opportunities. “We’re giving them the chance to step up and take part in our Export Excelerator Programme, which connects them with those who have ‘been there, done that’ for invaluable mentoring,” he says. Thanks to Air New Zealand Cargo, Westpac Institutional Bank, Baldwins Intellectual Property, Ports of Auckland, BDO and Zespri transferring their sponsorship of the cancelled 2020 ExportNZ Awards, 30 businesses will be fully funded for a year in the programme, and 90 others 50 per cent funded. The Export Excelerator programme sees experienced exporters paired up with participants for 10 hours to act as sounding boards and mentors, and to focus on tackling the challenges that they face of expanding globally. It helps exporters capitalise on opportunities, minimise the risk of expansion, challenge assumptions of go-to-market strategies and enables them to join a community that they can for advice and support when they need it. “The 145 Excelerators have been selected from New Zealand’s top exporting businesses and have experience across all geographies and industry sectors,” says Mr O’Riley. One of those to benefit from the Export Excelerate Programme is personal care and health and beauty company Parrs Products. “Engaging in Excelerate100 is a must. We’ve been going a long time, mucking in and doing it ourselves, but having that real-world independent advice and support at a very senior level is so invaluable,” says International Business Development and Marketing Manager Andrew Rainham. “Sometimes you are so busy working ‘in the business’ […]

Livelihoods saved through immigration changes

Jobs and businesses will be saved as a direct result of changes made to immigration criteria, ExportNZ Executive Director Catherine Beard says. The Government has announced provisions for people to be able to enter New Zealand to support the economic recovery effort. “The border is a critical line of defence against Covid-19, and we should be laser-focused on managing the risks of peoples movements. “The same urgency that the country has taken in the health response to saving lives now needs to go into saving livelihoods through the economic recovery phase.” Ms Beard says the changes announced today will directly support businesses to have confidence that they can move forward with things like capital investment or being able to deliver products and services to international customers. “This is a good move from Government in recognising the critical importance of being able to facilitate people through our border in a way that manages and mitigates risk, and it will have a real and significant impact on New Zealand’s economic recovery.”

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