WOW, what a great week we had in Hamilton at the joint CCNZ and ACENZ Conference. I want to send out a big thank you to all our members, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for making it a resounding success.
The conference was a perfect platform to profile the industry and we made the most of media interest around our Construction Industry Survey findings to highlight our concerns around lowest price procurement and risk transfer to contractors. This week’s announcement by Ministers that they will look to “reset government procurement” is a welcome step and one we will look to be closely involved in.
With over 500 people in attendance, Conference is a time to connect and network. To be motivated by great speakers like All Black Mental Skills Coach Gilbert Enoka and adventurer Peter Hilary. To learn from industry, business and client presenters in concurrent sessions. To take in the latest technology at the massive trade display area, and of course to celebrate the great people and projects of the past year. Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners in the Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, Z People Awards and Connexis Company Training Awards.
This year a massive highlight for me was the Minister of Transport Hon. Phil Twyford’s official launch of CCNZ’s EPIC Careers in Infrastructure resources, and the positive feedback about EPIC. Members can see the opportunity for the industry working together to attract and retain people by highlighting the great opportunities we all know the industry has to offer.
At the CCNZ AGM for the first time in many years we had more nominations than places available – a healthy sign. Tim Ford of Fulton Hogan was elected as President, Tony Pike of CPB was elected Vice President. We also welcomed Tommy Parker of Fletcher Infrastructure, longstanding Wellington Branch Chair David Howard of Construction Contracts Limited and the returning Bailey Gair of Gair Contracting in Hawke’s Bay.
I look forward to working with the Executive Council and our members over the next year. Planning has already begun for next year’s conference, which will be in Rotorua from 31 July – 3 August. I’m looking forward to it already.
