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NASH and Certified Builders Association of NZ sign Strategic Partnership Agreement


Carl Davies General Manager NASH and Derek Baxter, CEO of the Certified Builders Association of NZ (CBANZ)

NASH has entered into a Strategic Partnership agreement with the Certified Builders Association of NZ (CBANZ). This agreement represents a major step forward in the acceptance of Steel Framing as a viable alternative building material. It also means working more closely together with the Association and assisting Certified Builder members get to grips with Steel as a alternative framing material.

Certified Builders Association, CEO, Derek Baxter welcomes NASH to the strategic partnership program. He states that CBANZ is committed to creating relationships with the supply to chain to educate our builders in the latest innovations in the industry. For many builders steel construction is ‘habit breaking’ and while they have spent many years honing their craft with timber, this relationship will teach the new tips and techniques required.

Since all CBANZ members are trade qualified, some will have encountered steel framing in office partitioning, or as an optional module on a long forgotten block course. The program also links with DBH and the licensing requirements of ongoing professional development. CBANZ members will gain points for attending the meetings, seminars and reading the articles that will be published.

The key benefit of the program is to give the builders “beyond the brochure” information and therefore help the select and use products with the confidence that today’s clients demand says Baxter.

NASH participates of the Launch of the International Smart Building Centre in Bahrain


Dr Stephen Hicks , NASH Board member and Carl Davies, NASH General Manager with His Excellency Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Housing

NASH was hosted to Bahrain in January for discussions with the Ministry of Housing about Steel Framed Housing and to make a formal presentation at the launch of the International Smart Building Centre. The invitation came from the Ministry after hearing about the good work that we are collectively doing here in NZ.

Bahrain has a population of just about 1m and the housing dilemma is one of the most pressing problems facing the Kingdom. After a Royal directive to resolve the problem the Ministry of Housing has chosen to employ newer time and cost saving technology by changing from their traditional construction techniques to the smart building method that demonstrates the following attributes:

  • The use of Eco friendly materials that does not pose a threat to the health of citizens
  • Durability of up to 90 years
  • Resistant to earthquakes and cyclones
  • Insulation from Sound Heat and Moisture
  • Speed of construction
  • Reduces construction costs.

Two model units have been built using this technology out of Steel Framed Construction.

Added to this The International Smart Building Centre has been established and will re-define models of building construction in developing countries integrating with their economic systems and sustainable environmental standards.

The opening of the Centre on the 28th Jan was a huge affair in the ballroom of a major hotel in Bahrain. Ministers, Diplomats, overseas dignitaries and the media were present throughout the event with His Excellency Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Housing providing the opening address. The Minister was followed by an address by His Excellency Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)

The NASH presentation portrayed the work of our Association, the benefits of Steel Framed Construction globally and outlined strategic focus for the future. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to engage with the International community and provide a catalyst for further engagement. The relationship between NASH and the Government of Bahrain is ongoing.