Specialist trades are an integral part of most aspects of the construction industry.
The STCF is represented on several construction sector groups providing a united and significant voice for our members.
Some Bodies We Are Active On
Construction Industry Council
Arguably the peak industry group in the construction sector, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) is made up of organisations from across the sector including construction, manufacturing, design, compliance, research and innovation.
The STCF is an active participant of the CIC works at the interface of industry and government advocating for the benefit of the construction industry and the built environment.
Construction Sector Accord
The Construction Sector Accord (CSA) is a partnership between industry and government.
The purpose of the CSA is to deliver culture change through leadership and action targeting people, businesses and processes; and to be a catalyst to transform the construction sector for the benefit of all New Zealand.
The objectives of the CSA are to increase productivity, raise capability, improve resilience, and restore confidence, pride and reputation.
Building Research Advisory Council
The Building Research Advisory Council (BRAC) comprises nominees of a wide range of industry organisations who advise on information needs and strategic directions for BRANZ. BRAC members also elect the BRANZ Board, which is responsible for the overall governance of the BRANZ Group. STCF has two representatives on BRAC.
Construction Health and Safety New Zealand
Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) is the sector leader for Health and Safety in the construction sector. The Board of CHASNZ represents commercial, residential and civil constructors, public and private construction clients, training providers, unions and WorkSafe.
CHASNZ is responsible for the Constructsafe competence assessment programme and is working with Site Safe towards standardised training and competence assessment across the sector. Other projects include standardising Contractor Prequalification which will reduce replication and compliance cost for subcontractors, standardising and collecting accident statistics which will allow businesses to measure their performance against industry benchmarks, and standardisation of health and safety processes to reduce compliance costs.
Standards NZ Conditions of Contract
STCF is represented on the committee that reviews NZS 3910 New Zealand Standard Conditions of Contract for Building and Civil Engineering Construction
Standard Subcontract Conditions
STCF together with Master Builders developed a standard subcontract agreement SA2017 This is regularly reviewed and kept up to date with regulatory changes.
BIM Acceleration Committee
Building Information Management (BIM) has been slow to gain traction in NZ, however it is rapidly growing overseas with some countries enforcing it as a requirement on large public projects.
STCF has a representative on the BIM Acceleration Committee which is working to develop guidance and training for industry to assist in BIM uptake. It is important Specialist Trades are represented in this work to ensure costs are not all pushed onto subcontractors, especially at tendering, and to develop a consistent approach, avoiding replication. It is also important to recognise the limitations of smaller operations.