Without a crystal ball

From BlackWhite magazine - issue 01, colourful outlook

16 industry leaders debrief about the challenges of this year, what they think lies ahead, favourite Resene colours and memorable projects.

Daryne Begbie

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

I’m currently loving Resene Influential. I am using it to accessorise my home.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

Wallpapering – it is very therapeutic and rewarding, but it’s also very labour intensive and frustrating. Let’s just say that I have hung a few rolls upside down in my time, but that made me enjoy the finished product all that much more.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I’m a DIY perfectionist, which is why I leave it mostly to the professionals!

What have been the key achievements for NZIA this year?

Successfully and cohesively working together as a team through the challenges that lockdown brought upon us. We achieved moving our awards jury process online during lockdown, and running the Local Architecture Awards on a virtual platform for the first time.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

For me, it has been the lack of social engagement of members due to the restrictions on social gatherings and travel. Architects are a collegial bunch; they enjoy networking and socialising, so this has been a challenge, but we made up for that by running the New Zealand Architecture Award events at every branch across the country in November.

While it’s awfully hard to plan much right now, what do you think is in the cards for NZIA in 2021/22?

It seems that we are continually having to learn to adapt and embrace new skills. I am being positive and organising events for architects as I would normally, but the ‘new norm’ is to also have a few backup plans ready!

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

Architects drink negronis and like the colour black.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d like a superpower that gave me the ability to use a superpower whenever I needed one, so I wouldn’t have to choose just one. Why have one when you can have them all?

Suzie Rees

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Laurel. I used this in an entry/hallway and it was a beautiful backdrop for flowers.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

I loved a wallpaper I used in my dining room once with a gorgeous duck egg background and gold paisley pattern. The design reflected the style of the home, while the Resene Double Pearl Lusta and Resene Cappuccino concrete floor created a neutral palette to frame the wallpaper. A stunning Turkish rug finished the effect.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I love all aspects of home design, and while I know what I like, I prefer to engage the experts. A good designer will extend your thinking beyond experience and preconceived ideas, challenging you to consider alternatives while still listening to the aspects of the design that are must-haves or must-wants.

What have been the key achievements for NKBA this year?

Flourishing throughout an unknown environment. Being fluid enabled the NKBA team to learn, grow and build on valuable learnings that we will take into the future, and technology was key for this.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Keeping up with demand. Our members are so busy at the moment with no sign of letting up. Perhaps with Kiwis not travelling and therefore having budget to spend or staring at their four walls during lockdown, the time is ripe for people to recreate beautiful spaces in their homes.

What do you think is in the cards for NKBA in 2021/22?

With a successful NKBA Excellence in Design Awards (EiD) event done and dusted in September, we are already planning our conference and 2021 EiD Awards for July. We must keep planning; it may not look exactly as envisaged but we proved this year that ‘the show must go on’. And it did, as a resounding success!

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

If you contract a designer or manufacturer to design your kitchen or bathroom, have them project manage it. Shortcuts or savings are short sighted and can result in disappointing mistakes. Always use an NKBA member, as they have been well scrutinised upon application and have a Code of Conduct to adhere to.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Super speed. To achieve everything at super speed in the NKBA Office would be the best – the juggle is real! Although, on a personal level I would love to fly – especially with having our wings clipped at the moment.

Bob Tidd

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Any of the purples, as its many shades can be used in many ways. Some are nice and easy while others are very loud, but all are mainly good to mix with others.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done and what did you like about the outcome?

Selecting a darkish purple as a trim a few years ago for a house with many saying it wasn’t the right choice, but it ended up being liked by us and others when it was completed, and it kept it looking like a ‘human place’. I also recently used a light purple for my office which is very nice and it looks good as a background with lots of stuff hanging on it.

Do you consider yourself a ‘DIY expert’ or ‘DIY disaster’?

I enjoy doing DIY and find it is often best for me to do things myself – as many can’t think outside the box – unless I need a professional. But it all depends if they are available at the time and day I select, and at a reasonable cost, otherwise I’ll do it myself, if I’m able to.

What have been the key achievements for DANZ this year?

Providing more in-depth newsletters and technical information for our members on a regular basis, and getting more affiliate members with good sponsorship coming in.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

There are people who may not want to join groups they can get assistance from in various ways, so I would say discovering and providing the best membership advantages as possible to encourage an increase in membership is the biggest challenge.

What do you think is in the cards for DANZ in 2021/22?

Continuing to provide more technical guidance to our members and extend membership to all types of designers – whether they design furniture, vehicles, airplanes, etc. – who might have no other similar organisation to belong to but are welcome at DANZ.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

Never assume everyone will, or has done, all of what is, or was, expected of them.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

To read people’s minds to find out what they want as a member, or to be able to highlight that they could – and should – join us.

Cathy Veninga

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Barely There. It’s neutral, but it is a soothing, calming colour to come home to when your mind is so busy with work. It neutralises thinking and creates peace.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I love painting – it’s so therapeutic. And yes, I’m a perfectionist, but I’m also a super quick painter. I mentioned one time to a friend that I was going to paint a couple of rooms that day. There was a scoff and scorn of disbelief. But by end of day, after two coats – including the ceiling – all the furniture was back in place, and the job was perfect.

What have been the key achievements for DINZ this year?

It’s actually the community who have been amazing in their achievements, rolling with the uncertainty and remaining ‘uptomistic’ – because you can only go ‘up’ in a year like this. The Best Design Awards saw the highest number of entries ever, demonstrating the community wanted to celebrate their projects, their clients and all the many teams involved in creating great work. It was their way of being strong and resilient.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Professional membership-based organisations always face the challenges of being relevant, nimble and flexible. The Designers Institute of New Zealand represents progressive, future-thinking designers. Our community has a belief that design has an important role in creating value economically, valuing the expression of our unique culture and improving the quality of life for our communities.

What do you think is in the cards for DINZ in 2021/22?

In 2021, the Designers Institute will be turning 30 years old and we will acknowledge all of the many who have contributed over these years. Our professional body is the ‘glue’, so it’s about staying strong for the community and to keep advocating for the value of design.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To eliminate poverty and create a respectful, caring humanity.

Greg Watts

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Bilbao, as I love this shade of green and it reminds me of the city of Bilbao, Spain, where I lived on and off for several years.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about it/the outcome?

I recently stained the black cedar on the north-facing side of my house that’s nearest the beach. The cedar takes a real battering from the sun, sea and sand but our Resene Woodsman stain brought it back to life effortlessly. Looks as good as new now.

Do you consider yourself a ‘DIY expert’ or ‘DIY disaster’?

I am a DIY expert who is known for making the odd mistake along the way and can, at times, lose patience with complex DIY projects. Luckily, my son is very patient and a naturally gifted DIYer, so the projects turn out okay in the end.

What have been the key achievements for ADNZ this year?

A focused, measurable business plan, a new digital membership and marketing platform and a revised partnership programme.

What do you think is in the cards for ADNZ in 2021/22?

A buoyant construction industry, with increased demand for architectural services and other construction roles, but also potential issues with product supply.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

Engage my creative mind, as I am dealing with very creative people.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Become Superman, so I could change the world for the better.

Kerry Archer

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

We have used Resene colours extensively in our own home. We tend to go for a restful, neutral palette, so we’ve used Resene Sea Fog and Resene White Pointer for the living areas, Resene Half Thorndon Cream for bedrooms and Resene Napa for the exterior.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done and what did you like about the outcome?

When I have the time, I love to work on projects at home – particularly with my children. Most recently, my daughter and I made a shelving unit for her bedroom complete with a make-up station and LED-lit mirror.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

Most builders love a good DIY project, but typically your own projects unfortunately tend to take a backseat to whatever is going on within the business. Where time permits, I’m a bit of a perfectionist – but often, to get a job complete, it’s good to call in the experts!

What have been the key achievements for Master Builders this year?

One of the key achievements this year has been the work that has been done by Master Builders with regards to getting back to work after the lockdown. There was a lot of work done by Master Builders and other trade organisations to put together protocols for getting back to work post-lockdown safely.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Like any member organisation, it’s about making sure that the services that you are providing are current and relevant to your members.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

If you can’t think of something to say, just tell the truth. This has gotten me out of trouble a few times, and people appreciate the honesty.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Living in Invercargill, I would love the superpower of changing the weather.

Scott Fisher

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Refresh. It reminds me of my childhood swimming in the Wairarapa rivers on hot summer days.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

My last wallpapering project was a feature wall in my daughter’s bedroom. It is a bright sun-filled room, and the feature wall is bold and eye-catching.

Do you consider yourself a ‘DIY expert’ or ‘DIY disaster’?

I am a serial DIYer and built up skills over many years and projects. The best way to learn is to do; there is plenty of advice out there so no reason not to give it a go. The worse-case scenario is the need to call an expert to fix the job. In my case, an emergency plumber was needed when I screwed through the wall and hit a water pipe!

What have been the key achievements for Prefab NZ this year?

We delivered an exciting virtual conference at the end of lockdown in June. After planning for a physical event, we quickly shifted to online. We had tremendous support from our members, partners – including Resene – and our international and domestic speakers, and it was a great event that celebrated innovation in action in the construction sector.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

COVID-19 has really put the pressure on business models in every sector. But focusing on the unique value proposition, good communication with members, corporate partners and regulators and having a clear strategy for our sector helps focus our efforts and resources.

What do you think is in the cards for Prefab NZ in 2021/22?

2021 will be an important year for the offsite sector. The Building Amendment Bill is currently progressing and will underpin growth and unlock the benefits of building offsite. Factory certification, improved consenting and better product information are long overdue, and we look forward to the government and industry working together. Sustainability and climate change will also help offsite move into the mainstream.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

My best advice is about life, which can always be related to work. My first boss led by example, with a mantra to trust people, empower people, invest in people. If you share your vision with your team then they will pick it up and run with it – and always celebrate the little successes with sausage rolls!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

A magic wand to send COVID-19 packing.

Stacey Mendonca

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Pohutukawa. I love its deep red/blue tone, and that always makes me smile.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

We had our weatherboard house painted nine years ago and took it from a soppy outdated cream to fresh, modern Resene Montoya with Resene Bokara Grey trims. I still get a kick out of seeing it every day.

Do you consider yourself a ‘DIY expert’ or ‘DIY disaster’?

Without hesitation, I am a DIY disaster. My husband and I skim coated, plastered and painted our bathroom once, and after many coats and clouds of plaster dust later, we promised never again. I trust the professionals completely.

What have been the key achievements for NAWIC this year?

We have just launched a new chapter in the Bay of Plenty in March and one in the Queenstown Lakes area in October. We started a new platform to keep connected with our members via Zoom sessions, online webinars and more emails to stay in touch. We are in a privileged position to help others when they need it.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

For some it is finding a new role, or new city, or not burning out. An alarming number of people have expressed their fatigue this year. Being agile and having an ability to adapt is important to work around all the changes we have encountered.

What do you think is in the cards for NAWIC in 2021/22?

We are very excited about watching our new chapters expand and hosting the NAWIC Awards in May, with entries closing 3 Feb 2021. Our chapters have plenty of events planned ranging from site visits, factory visits, inspiring speakers, online webinar sessions, local workshops, social events and informal networking.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

Be bold. I wish I had believed in that years ago. I was so concerned about fitting in that I forgot to stand out.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

The power to choose the President of the United States of America, and we all know why.

Julie Thomas

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Half Cloud, as it is a subtle colour that contrasts well with polished concrete, dark grey shower tiles, white wall tiles and the black tapware and towel rails in our bathroom.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done and what did you like about the outcome?

Our favourite project was creating a retro feature wall in our lounge. Working with textured wallpaper worked well on our older walls to conceal any imperfections that may have been there.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I am a perfectionist; however, I leave the work to my DIY partner.

What have been the key achievements for NZCB this year?

Getting our New Zealand Certified Builder members back on the tools under Alert Level 3 and working with Government agency MBIE to ensure all Health & Safety Protocols were addressed.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Working with the unknown of COVID-19 and the restrictions that come with this. Our New Zealand Certified Builder members currently are very busy for the next six months due to an increase in renovations and new builds, however, the future is unknown beyond that time.

What do you think is in the cards for NZCB in 2021/22?

Increased volumes of our independent publication, Revere, which celebrates the exemplary work of some of our NZCB members and is distributed to their target market: the homeowner.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

The answer is in the detail and preparation.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

To move between the past and future, for the better of all.

Vicki Clague

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

My favourite white based colours are Resene Alabaster and Resene Sea Fog. They provide a great backdrop for artwork.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done and what did you like about the outcome?

Staining the fence around our property. It frames the house and provides context. There is something really therapeutic and satisfying about painting fences!

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

A mix of the above. I’m not afraid to call in the professionals when things don’t go to plan!

What have been the key achievements for NZILA this year?

It has been great to see a growth in membership with many landscape architects living abroad returning home, benefiting the profession locally with international knowledge and ideas.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Our members are facing the same challenges being seen the world over, but I know our landscape architects are grateful to once again be able to freely carry out site visits and client meetings – something many around the world are unable to do.

While it’s awfully hard to plan much right now, what do you think is in the cards for NZILA in 2021/22?

In 2022, NZILA turns 50. The Institute is currently planning its 50th celebrations of which one of the key events will be the Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards evening.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d like my superpower to be having the ability to do a crash course in immunology so I can develop a vaccine so, among other things, the world can open up for international travel once more.

Brian Miller

Which is your favourite Resene colour?

Resene Blue Lagoon.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done and what did you like about the outcome?

We built a house nine years ago with a council restricted colour palette with an end result that received a lot of positive comments.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

Due to my role, I like to use members of the association – although I enjoy doing my own wall coverings.

What have been the key achievements for Master Painters New Zealand this year?

Due to the environmental changes the work we did supporting our membership with lockdown information and start-up procedures was one of the most important tasks we have undertaken in some time.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Most are currently quite busy, with finding skilled staff being a significant challenge, so the assistance platform provided for apprenticeships is greatly appreciated.

What do you think is in the cards for Master Painters in 2021/22?

From 1 April 2021, we will be offering members’ clients an incorporated workmanship warranty for most owner-occupied residential rework projects if their contractor has ceased trading with a 5-year warranty on the workmanship, up to a value of $15,000. There will be a few conditions that will be displayed in plain English on our website. Members will also be able to offer our existing warranty products for higher value projects, new residential work and commercial situations.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

With change, you can either be bitter or better.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

There are times in my position where the ability to be invisible would be quite cool.

Leonie Freeman

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Quarter Tea, as that is the colour of the interior of my house and I like it because it feels both light and comforting – perfect for when I’m relaxing at home.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

I’ve done a heap of painting and staining projects over the years, so it’s hard to pick a favourite. Apart from the new look, I love how it revives a space.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I was bought up with a father who is a fantastic DIYer, so got taught how to do a wide variety of DIY tasks from a young age. Over the years I have painted, wallpapered, stained and just about everything in between. Admittedly, with less time available these days, I tend to leave it to the professionals.

What have been the key achievements for Property Council New Zealand this year?

This year has been a year like no other. The ability to support our members and the property industry during hugely challenging times is something our whole team is very proud of. Being able to react and adapt quickly, whether it be implementing a free webinar series for members or running conferences online within very short timeframes, there have been great learning opportunities for us all.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

I think uncertainty is the greatest challenge for our members at the moment. Times of great change always bring about uncertainty in the property market, whether it is commercial, industrial, retail or residential. For our broad range of members, including property owners, developers, tenants, construction companies and consultants, planning for the unprecedented is a daunting task.

While it’s awfully hard to plan much right now, what do you think is in the cards for Property Council New Zealand in 2021/22?

To support our members through this challenging time with a focus on our overall Property Council purpose of; “together, shaping cities where communities thrive”. Our job is to be match-fit and ready for whatever 2021 has in store.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

You can do and achieve anything you set your mind to!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I have always liked the movie The Incredibles, and if I could have a superpower, I would like to be like Dash. He could run at superhuman capacity and his power was sufficient enough to allow him to be able to run over water without submerging. That’s my dream superpower; to go fast and go hard!

David Pearse

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Half Tea. I recently did my new home in it and recommend it to investors when renovating their rental properties.

Do you consider yourself a ‘DIY expert’ or ‘DIY disaster’?

With a number of renovation projects under my belt I would call myself a ‘DIY Half OK’.

What have been the key achievements for PROMINZ this year?

It would have to be the planning and implementation of a new accreditation for professional residential property managers.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

The challenge will be to advocate for regulation of the industry that lifts the standards of property management.

While it’s awfully hard to plan much right now, what do you think is in the cards for PROMINZ in 2021/22?

That PROMINZ is recognised as the preferred professional body for residential property managers.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

Buy property and don’t sell.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation – especially the ability to get between Auckland and Wellington without the travel.

Geoff Penrose

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Afficionado. It’s a shade of brown, and the one we are using to paint the exterior of our house. This colour also matches our internal fireplace, which is a nice link.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

My current project is always my favourite one. So right now, it’s refreshing our exterior.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I leave it to the professionals, definitely.

What have been the key achievements for Lifemark this year?

Lifemark promotes Universal Design in housing, and this year we have done significantly more work in the public housing sector and have had an opportunity to influence a large number of social housing projects, which will deliver benefits for future generations who live in and visit these homes.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Embracing change. We want architects, designers, developers and builders to think about and include Universal Design into all their projects, and this takes time and the right attitude.

While it’s awfully hard to plan much right now, what do you think is in the cards for Lifemark in 2021/22?

Assisting Kainga ora, Kiwibuild and HLC to understand and adopt Universal Design. This will then result in more than 15% of all new dwellings being built to an accessible standard that will work for all people. I’d also like to see more consumers asking for Universal Design at the beginning of their own projects as we will all spend more time in our house than in previous years.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

Persistence is the key to success.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation. No traffic worries, ever. And, of course, a free vaccine for the world.

Gillian Weiss

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

Resene Havelock Blue – the colour of FMANZ’s branding, of course!

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

My home interior paint colour. I can’t go past the timeless refinement of Resene Spanish White.

Are you a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or do you ‘leave it to the professionals’?

I always trust professionals and go to the very talented designer Wendy Campbell for inspiration and advice on my home design projects.

What have been the key achievements for FMANZ this year?

FMANZ has celebrated many achievements this year but one we’re really excited about is working closely with Massey University to develop a homegrown Diploma (DipFM) and Graduate Diploma (GradDipFM) in Facilities Management. These programmes are tailored to the FM industry in Aotearoa, and open for enrolments now!

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

Ensuring people are aware of the vital role facilities managers have played during the pandemic. During Level 4, they ensured hospitals, police stations, parliament buildings and other essential facilities were safe for essential service personnel to perform their roles. An important part of an FM’s role is to keep building occupants safe and healthy, so they continue to play an important job.

What do you think is in the cards for FMANZ in 2021/22?

FMANZ will continue to advocate on behalf of facilities managers, to highlight the valuable contribution they make as custodians of the built environment – to their organisations and the wider economy – and their role in many of the seismic shifts taking place in the world, for example, around sustainability, climate change, technology and new ways of working. We will also continue our work in professionalising the industry, and progressing FM from ‘an accidental career’ to ‘a career of choice’. We hope facilities manager will soon be as recognisable as a profession as an architect or engineer is.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

If you want something done, ask a facilities manager!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Who needs superpowers when I’m surrounded by FM superheroes?

Andrew Eagles

Which is your favourite Resene colour and why do you like it?

The paint colour we used for our office’s internal entrance is Resene Gumboot, and I really like it because it reminds me of brilliant historic buildings in the UK. It has nuances to it and gives a really professional look to our office.

What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have done (or have had done) and what did you like about the outcome?

I really like the interior of the NZGBC office because it looks really professional and it’s quite warm, but I also I like it because we agree with the ethics of Resene and their work with the Eco.Decorator and PaintWise programmes. It’s obviously great paint, and Resene do a lot generally.

Do you consider yourself a ‘DIY expert’ or ‘DIY disaster’?

I think I’m somewhere in the middle.

What have been the key achievements for NZGBC this year?

One key achievement has been to significantly ramp up the number of homes being certified to Homestar. In the last financial year, we had 3,600 homes register for Homestar and the healthy and sustainable national housing standard, which is above the Building Code. Another is to have helped influence government to consider changing the Building Code. As well, the move to have 70 buildings going through our Green Star methodology – which is quite a big increase. We’ve also had a lot of engagement with homeowners on how to make their homes healthier and warmer using our free Homefit tool, and I think we’ve now had close to 40,000 check it out.

What do you think is the biggest current challenge for your members/organisation?

I think it may be staying on top of how fast this sector is changing. The Healthy Homes Standards are slated to change on 1 July 2021, and then the Building Code is changing, and Homestar is changing and will be putting out a new standard next year. We’ve tried to put a lot of that information online and provide lots of opportunities for people to talk with us about it. People can come and meet with us at any point, we have frequent webinars, but people can always call to talk through it. And the reason why all of this is moving so fast is that we’ve got to get to Net Carbon Zero homes and new builds from 2030 for the World Building Council, but I can see that if you’re in the sector, this all might be a bit daunting.

While it’s awfully hard to plan much right now, what do you think is in the cards for the NZGBC in 2021/22?

We will be releasing Homestar Version 5 in May/June 2021, and that’s really exciting. We have 4,000-5,000 homes going through Homestar at the moment, and that great new standard is going to be a really big focus for the next year. We also have the Net Carbon Zero Certification that we’re launching with Toitū for any existing building, so they’ll be able to certify for that status – which will be recognised internationally. People doing a large fit-out or wanting to improve their existing buildings will be able to do that. And then in 2022, we’ll be focusing on improving the Green Star tools and they’ll be going through quite a major change, so we’ll be starting to consult with the sector on that.

What’s the best industry-related advice you’ve ever received?

To be open and always learning. We’re all on a journey, and it’s when we collaborate that we get the best results.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d like to fly. It would be really special to be up in the sky, and it would be fun. Like you could do loops and get around really fast – and there would be far less carbon, obviously. And because of my name, it just fits.

BlackWhite magazine

This is a magazine created for the industry, by the industry and with the industry – and a publication like this is only possible because of New Zealand and Australia's remarkably talented and loyal Resene specifiers and users.

If you have a project finished in Resene paints, wood stains or coatings, whether it is strikingly colourful, beautifully tonal, a haven of natural stained and clear finishes, wonderfully unique or anything in between, we'd love to see it and have the opportunity to showcase it. Submit your projects online or email editor@blackwhitemag.com. You're welcome to share as many projects as you would like, whenever it suits. We look forward to seeing what you've been busy creating.

Earn CPD reading this magazine – If you're a specifier, earn ADNZ or NZRAB CPD points by reading BlackWhite magazine. Once you've read an issue request your CPD points via the CPD portal for ADNZ (for NZ architectural designers) or NZRAB (for NZ architects).