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New Zealand builders can expect more law changes as the Government works to protect consumers, and reduce the cost of housing, warns an industry official.

Craig Hill, a manager of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, officially opened the National Certified Builders Conference at the Marlborough Convention Centre on Friday. About 350 builders from around the country attended the 15th annual conference.

Hill spoke in place of Minister of Building and Construction Maurice Williamson, who was one of many MPs refused leave from Parliament on Friday because of the urgent Budget debate.

Click here to read the full story on stuff.co.nz.

About 40 building industry professionals let their hair down, threw their self-consciousness to the wind and generally had a great time in a Laughter Yoga class at the weekend.

Run by Paraparaumu Laughter Yoga teacher Lynda Andrews, it called on participants to perform unusual dances, exhale love and peace into the world, learn relaxing breathing exercises and do plenty of laughing. "I enjoyed it immensely," said Carters national key account manager, Tony Longhurst, of Tauranga.

Click here to view the full story on www.stuff.co.nz and watch the video.

Lean manufacturing has revolutionised industries throughout the world – and now it could be time for New Zealand’s homebuilding industry to capitalise on the successful philosophy. That’s according to international building consultant Scott Sedam, who is the keynote speaker at the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand’s “The Best Tools to Build Your Business” conference in Blenheim on 17 and 18 May 2013.

More than 350 Certified Builders from throughout New Zealand will hear Scott’s top tips for improving product, process and profit using LeanBuilding™ practices in his presentation “The Lean Building Revolution: More Value – Less Waste”. (more...)

Establishing home replacement cover in the past was based on a square meter rate with an unspecified replacement cost, this was somewhat unique to New Zealand and is now changing to the international standard of specified maximum amount payable.

This now allows insurers and underwriters to establish what their potential risk is in an event. Two houses next to each other may have similar square metre rates however due to construction methods and "spec" may have quite different replacement costs.

Click HERE to read the rest of this article written by Jason McClintock - Operations Manager for the Certified Builders Association

Confused about axial load, base shear or inter-storey drift? Help is here.

Following the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010/2011, many articles and reports appeared describing the events and the impact they had on buildings. Some of these specialised terms may be unfamiliar to many designers and builders.

BRANZ Bulletin 558 Earthquake terminology is a glossary of terms that explains in plain English some of the key words and phrases relating to earthquakes and, in particular, their action on buildings.

The bulletin also covers definitions of terminology associated with constructing buildings to resist earthquake forces.

Available for $13.50 from the BRANZ Shop at www.branz.co.nz or call 0800 80 80 85 (press 2).