Copies of newsletters to NZMTRB Members are sent out directly to members, however, copies can also now be downloaded from this site:

• Newsletter - 7 July 2008  

Licensing for the building industry became voluntary from November 2007.  Seven of the 13 license classes in the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme were introduced on 1 November 2007, the other six, which include bricklaying and blocklaying, will follow in 2008.    

Benefits of licensing will be:

• Formal recognition of your competency and experience in your chosen field.

• Your licensed practitioner status can be used as a personal 'mark of quality' in your work.

• A listing on a public register so future clients or employers can see your licensing status.

• Support via an advertising and promotional programme to the New Zealand public promoting the public register.

The New Zealand Masonry Trades Registration Board has been working with the Department of Building and Housing to ensure that the proposed Bricklaying and Blocklaying Licence Class (due to be implemented later this year) is fair and equitable and meets the Department’s needs without disadvantaging those tradesmen currently working in our industry.

In June 2008, the Licensing Standards/competencies were approved and the assessment process is currently under trial.  As it stands, all applicants will be assessed on the Regulatory Environment part of the assessment.  However, if you are registered with the New Zealand Masonry Trades Registration Board, and provide your registration details, you will be exempt from supplying project records. 

For further information on the current status of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme you can check the DBH's website - www.dbh.govt.nz/is-licensing-for-me-1.

Riki Lincoln, 22, a talented young tradesman from Upper Hutt, Wellington received a Medallion of Excellence for his bricklaying skills at the WorldSkills Competition in Japan in November 2007.  NZMTRB Board Member, Greg Sinden was also there as an International Judge.  Read more about Riki's achievement and the WorldSkills Competition in the attached article.  For further information on WorldSkills International visit - http://www.worldskills.org/.

MonierBrick Design Note C1 provides information on the easy way to build two storey brick veneer with proprietary BRANZ appraised construction that meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code when using MonierBrick 70 Series bricks.  A copy of this document can be downloaded here.  This and other MonierBrick design notes can be downloaded from http://www.monierbrick.co.nz/design-notes/index.aspx.

A good reference tool, the “Brick Book” provides invaluable information on bricks, bricklaying, masonry, masons, brick mortar, brick veneer, brick cleaning, Lime mortar, recycled bricks, brick patterns, brick fireplaces, architecture, design and building.   John Oliver has been involved in the building industry for over 30 years. In his career, among other things, he has been an architectural designer, building products representative, building inspector, contracts manager, a product manager and technical adviser for NZFP.  For further information on this publication go to www.brick-book.com.

At its meeting on 17 July 2007, the New Zealand Masonry Trades Registration Board (NZMTRB) presented David Barnard with a special certificate in appreciation of his work developing and administering the NZMTRB.  

David has been involved in the New Zealand masonry trades for more than 30 years. He was a board member of the New Zealand Registered Structural Masons for many years and became secretary in 1999.   

About four years ago David became executive officer of the New Zealand Master Masonry Trades Federation.  He recently retired from the role, leaving the federation, now known as the Brick & Blocklayers Federation New  Zealand, with a vision for the future and an increasing membership.

The New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association (NZCMA) website can be found at http://www.nzcma.org.nz/.  Two of their publications are shown below and may be of value to you.

The New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association (NZCMA), with support from the Department of Building and Housing, and Building Research, has produced a code of practice for weathertight construction of concrete masonry.

There has been much consideration recently of weathertightness in general construction. The issue is also important for concrete masonry buildings containing habitable spaces where the presence of moisture would lead to the formation of mould and mildew.

The guide provides information for those considering solutions for compliance with Clause E2 (External Moisture) of the New Zealand Building Code.

Industry consultation with sectors associated with concrete masonry means the code of practice reflects substantial experience in weathertight detailing of low-rise New Zealand concrete masonry buildings.

Copies of this publication have been distributed to NZMTRB members, however, further copies can be downloaded here, or hardcopies can be requested from CCANZ - admin@cca.org.nz.

The New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association (NZCMA), have prepared a safe environmental guidelines for "On Site Management of Concrete Washwater".  

Many councils are now taking an active role in issuing infringement notices to any person or company failing to manage their waste correctly.  Anyone found breaching the Resource Management Act 1991 in this way may be liable for an infringement fee of up to $1,000 or prosecution.  Little leniency is being shown towards those infringing these regulations.

Written in partnership with the Auckland Regional Council, the recommendations set out in this document are what the NZCMA considers to be acceptable best practice for managing and disposing of fresh concrete, mortar, or water contaminated with it.  The aim of the guideline is to stop the discharge of any cement slurry or wastewater from a site into the stormwater system and natural waterways.

Copies of this document can be downloaded here, or a hardcopy can be requested from CCANZ - admin@cca.org.nz.

The Wellington Technical Institute of Technology (WelTec) has developed a new Certificate of Structural Masonry - a Level 4 programme designed to provide participants with the theoretical knowledge to achieve registration as a Structural Mason or Master Bricklayer.  It is also aimed at those who have been working in the masonry industry for for at least nine years but who have no formal training.

The programme involves eight distance learning packages including:  concrete blocks; bonding; concrete and grouting; masonry veneers; mortar; and reinforcing steel.  WelTec has recently reduced the course fees from $1,200 to $900.

Those interested in taking up this correspondence course must have completed a trade, national certificate or apprenticeship programme or have a minimum of nine year's experience in the masonry industry.

Copies of the course brochure can be downloaded here, or a hardcopy can be requested from CCANZ - admin@cca.org.nz.

The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand have produced an Information Bulletin on Masonry Grouting Methods which looks at the four different methods for grout filling as set out in New Zealand Standard NZS 4210:

·          High lift grouting with an expansive admixture.

·          High lift grouting without an expansive admixture.

·          High lift grouting with reduced compaction.

·          Low lift growing.

Copies of IB 66 can be downloaded here, or a hardcopy can be requested from CCANZ - admin@cca.org.nz.

If you would like to look further at the CCANZ website please go to www.cca.org.nz.  Many of their publications are free for download and a complete publication list can be viewed at https://secure.iconz.co.nz/cca/shop/index.asp.