Author Rachel Loo
The 2019 liquidation of Stanley Construction left about 200 subcontractors stranded. Master Electricians New Zealand, which represents around 10,000 individual electricians, is funding an application to seek a clear ruling from the High Court over the use of retention funds, in this case amounting to $2.1 million. Ford Sumner Lawyers has made an application for the court to review the liquidators’ actions and to appoint replacement liquidators to administer the retention monies.
A wide-ranging global report prepared by Cushman and Wakefield says the Asia-Pacific commercial property market is expected to remain sound in the face of US tariff and trade pressures. Nonetheless, despite support from the domestic market the region will not be exempt from the effects of a global slowdown as business increasingly adopt a more cautious approach to decision making. New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia buy more than they sell to the US market.
This AustRoad report compares significant developments in worker’s compensation schemes in Australia and New Zealand, which has a no-fault accident insurance scheme managed by ACC. The Kiwi scheme covers everyone who is injured in the country and replaces the right to sue for injury. Workers’ compensation in Australia is predominately jurisdictionally based, with coverage based on the location of employment. There are 11 state compensation schemes and three Commonwealth schemes.
Colliers’ latest survey results reveal a significant variation across the major asset classes. Industrial property continues to receive the highest rating. Views on the office sector have been broadly neutral with regional variations. Sentiment is particularly positive in Christchurch. Investors also maintain a generally positive outlook for the Auckland market while pessimism reigns in Wellington. Sentiment toward the retail sector remains broadly negative.
There is a plethora of politicians worldwide trying to sell mutton as lamb and we are not exempt. The reality is that most of New Zealand’s half million SME are struggling and falling over in increasingly large numbers. The BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report shows insolvency rates between January and March 2025 surged by 31 percent year on year. Liquidations rose by 40 percent. BWA Insolvency principal Bryan Williams outlines a path forward.
Tariffs and trade controls are reshaping the global business landscape, introducing new complexities to cost structures, demand patterns, and competitive positioning. A McKinsey report looks at the broader economic implications of these trade measures and how businesses can assess their positioning and adapt to the changing global trade environment.
Valuable research on the Commission’s site in the build up to the Looking Ahead Infrastructure Symposium ($49+GST for virtual attendance). The June event is itself an adjunct to the National Infrastructure Plan which is scheduled to go to the government in December. Read onsite a paper which points to failings in our current and traditional approaches to infrastructure delivery and suggests new ways to bring better value and outcomes.
Have you ever heard about the galvanic series and wondered what it is or how it affects you? Luke Stone, Technical Service Engineer at Cortec® Corporation, explains that the hierarchy of metals are the main culprit for galvanic corrosion.
As demand grows for this power-hungry technology, so does the need to accelerate the pace and scale of power creation. Data centres play a vital role in meeting this growing need. A McKinsey live event explored how business leaders can navigate this environment, and deliver on the opportunities presented by this unprecedented growth.
The International Water Association (IWA) is inviting applications for the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project with support from a US$3 million fund from the Gates Foundation. IWA is seeking bold, innovative technology solutions—from integrated systems treating all household wastewater to impactful subsystems. Open to engineering and research teams, start ups and academic groups plus anyone working on non biological sanitation or water treatment technologies
Austroads says pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries remain unacceptably high, especially among vulnerable persons such as children, older people and people with disabilities. It has released four new reports providing a clear and evidence-based roadmap for reducing pedestrian trauma across Australia and New Zealand.
The first global economic shock since the COVID-19 pandemic has arrived. The impact on businesses is high, unevenly distributed, and likely to remain that way. Not since the 1930s has the world seen this level of tariff activity, according to McKinsey. It recommends setting up a geopolitical nerve centre focused on tracking the impact of tariffs across nine targeted initiatives.
Trevini Turbines is a global leader in the sub-100 MW steam turbine power sector. Trevini is behind an upgrade at a Waste to Energy (WtE) facility which will process 345,000 tons of household and medical waste a year just 20k away from the Eiffel Tower into clean energy. Thermal WtE, in particular, converts municipal, commercial, and industrial waste into electricity and heat, reducing the volume of landfill waste while significantly offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
The competition to attract the best people is fierce but keeping talented employees at your company is just as essential. Hiring the right people in the first place is just the first step according to global employee experience leader Culture Amp. Being open to, and acting on, feedback is the key to hold on to key staff. The cost of replacing them can cost up to double their salary.
Infrastructure deficit is not unique to New Zealand as countries worldwide struggle with similar investment shortfalls, at the same time facing cost of living issues alongside economic and geopolitical uncertainties. A new Russell McVeagh report examines key factors and trends shaping infrastructure investment in New Zealand today beginning with a market update on private capital fundraising and investment trends
Employee engagement is about investing in your employees. Engaged employees are happier, more productive, and less likely to leave. Employee surveys and how you implement the results matter, Employee survey insights help companies take a data-driven approach using real employee feedback to shape workplace culture rather than acting on assumptions.
Master Electricians is holding a national conference in October to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. The conference focus is on leadership and is open to anyone or any organisation, member or not, which wants to advance the industry. Master Electricians have produced in support a fascinating series of videos chronicling the 100-year history of the association and talking to a range of leaders, tradespersons and apprentices.
