New group has high level membership

New Construction Industry Strategic Group has high level membership

Establishment of a new construction industry strategic group comprising high level executives actively engaged in the sector was announced today by the Chairman of the Group, Mr Richard Aitken, Chairman of engineering consultancy, Beca Group Ltd.

Mr Aitken said the aim of the new group was to contribute towards a strategic framework within which the construction industry can best contribute to the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of the country.

He said establishment of the Group represented a significant step forward in an industry which contained more than 70 separate trade organisations and professional bodies. These range through builders, architects, designers, engineers, sub-contractors, developers, material suppliers and the merchant chain.

“While the Group covers most sectors, those who have already joined are known as independent thinkers with a passion and commitment to the industry. They are able to influence direction because of their positions and individual mana and provide advice based on day to day involvement at the sharp end of industry activities. Their decision to contribute time to addressing wider industry needs is very much appreciated.

“There are no shortage of issues for members to focus on, including the weathertight homes situation, efforts to lift industry productivity and better skills training. The two task forces that the Government and the Department of Building and Housing earlier initiated have succinctly identified steps forward.

“The Group will talk regularly to the Government in a consultative capacity and looks to work with other industry groups. We will develop work programmes to support our strategic vision and act as a resource of independent ideas and fresh means of dealing with, and advancing, industry issues.”

Members of the Group and sectors in which they are engaged include: Engineering - Richard Aitken, Chairman, Beca Group Ltd, Manufacturing - Chris Ellis, Chief Executive – Building Products, Fletcher Building Ltd, Large Commercial Build - Peter Gomm, Chief Executive, Mainzeal Ltd, Design -Richard Harris, Chairman of Jasmax NZ, President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects; Distribution - Gordon Buswell, Chief Executive ITM, Infrastructure - Mark Binns, Chief Executive – Infrastructure, Fletcher Building Ltd, Research, Knowledge and Training - Pieter Burghout, Chief Executive, BRANZ Ltd, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council; Large Volume/Group Builders - Mike Fox, Primesite Homes and Chairman of the Registered Master Builders’ Federation, Medium and Small Builders - Richard Merrifield, R J Merrifield Ltd, Chairman of the Building Research Advisory Council; Sub-contractors -Paul DeBernardo, Managing Director Aquaheat Industries Ltd; Developers/Entrepreneurs - David McConnell, Managing Director, McConnell Group Discussions are ongoing with other industry leaders to encourage wider participation.

ENDS

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