The New Zealand concrete industry has come together to promote concrete as the resilient construction material of choice for a modern New Zealand.
Concrete New Zealand (NZ) was launched in August at a Parliamentary function in Wellington, and incorporates founding member organisations the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ), the New Zealand Concrete Masonry Association (NZCMA), the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NZRMCA), Precast New Zealand (PCNZ) and the New Zealand Concrete Society (NZCS).
Concrete NZ chief executive Rob Gaimster says concrete, in its many forms, is the foundation (and heart) of the majority of residential, commercial and infrastructure construction throughout New Zealand.
“The recent earthquakes have demonstrated the benefits of appropriately designed and built concrete structures. It is simple — concrete is functional, resilient and sustainable. In New Zealand, concrete is the ideal fit-for-purpose building material — it has no rival in modern construction.
“Concrete NZ is being launched at a time of unprecedented construction activity, with work across all sectors forecast to remain strong for the immediate future,” Mr Gaimster says.
“New Zealand’s cement production is world-class, as are our ready-mixed concrete and precast operators. The concrete industry is capable of meeting the expected rise in future demand.
“The idea of a single consolidated association for the concrete industry emerged several years ago. As an industry, we want to be better placed to promote excellence in all things concrete, in an efficient and effective manner that provides better value for all. I am very pleased that we have been able to realise that vision,” Mr Gaimster says.
Concrete NZ aims to be a highly respected and valued association, supporting industry to position concrete as the resilient construction material of choice for a modern New Zealand.
This will be achieved through a consolidated voice that brings confidence, knowledge and leadership to members, industry and regulators.
“As a consolidated association, this new organisation speaks with collective authority on behalf of its members,” Concrete NZ chair Glenda Harvey says.
“Stakeholders within government and amongst professional groups can now liaise with a single concrete industry association.”
Through a pan-industry work programme, Concrete NZ will strive to improve perceptions, raise standards and promote quality through its consolidated voice. Areas of activity will include regulatory advocacy, knowledge transfer and Standards development.
“We are very excited about what Concrete NZ can help its members achieve in the future. A key outcome of the consolidation will be contributing to a resilient and prosperous New Zealand,” Ms Harvey says.
