Features & Current Events
First Quarter 2017
In this issue:
- The Auckland challenge for 2017
- On the surface 2016 showed significant steps in infrastructure but dig a little deeper and a year of much less progress emerges
- Natural gas and zero-carbon fuels are expected to satisfy 60 per cent of the rise in global energy demand by 2035
- Pipeline forecasts will drive better procurement planning for clients and suppliers
- The vexing question of managing risk in a local government environment thrown into stark relief by the Kaikoura quake
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How are cities responding to extreme weather?
Weather events are becoming more unpredictable, more intense and more damaging, posing huge challenges in both preparing for and recovering from their growing impact, says Jeremy Kelly, Global Director of Cities Research at JLL
From extreme heat across southern Europe to the heaviest rainfall on record in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, to flooding in Brazil and cyclones devastating parts of southern Africa, cities face unprecedented physical risks. Continue →
Building a 15,000km cable from Australia to Chile
A request for proposals to construct the Humboldt Cable has been issued, which looks to connect with cable systems across Asia and to other countries and territories including New Zealand
Desarrollo País and H2 Cable are looking to begin construction of the estimated 15,000 km Humboldt Cable, the first to connect Latin America, the Asia Pacific and Oceania. Continue →
A cure for Kiwi culture of build now, fix later
New Zealand’s residential construction industry contributes roughly $26 billion annually to the economy and employs around 70,000 workers. Continue →
Time to address the elephant in the room — renewables
Instead of slavishly following the US down a trail of last-gasp fossil fuels with billion-dollar dead-money investments, we could look to Europe where sustainable substitutes for traditional methane gas (of which our herds obligingly produce an endless supply) like biogas and RNG applications will play a key role, says Publisher Mike Bishara. Continue →
Heat pumps to save commercial business
With fossil gas supplies in terminal decline and electricity demand rising, the country faces increasing energy costs, business closures and job losses. Continue →
Building capacity and breaking new ground
How a provincial regional council rose to the challenge of successfully delivering an unprecedented $250 million flood infrastructure programme
In early 2023, New Zealand was hit by two separate extreme weather events: the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. Continue →
Industry training tackles massive skills shortfall
A new government and industry training and remuneration initiative, described as “game-changing” by employers, will be expanded nationwide to help address New Zealand’s chronic manufacturing skills gap, with a pilot in Waikato set to deliver a learner completion rate of more than 90 percent. Continue →
Why not rail
Three authoritative reports over the past couple of years make a pretty convincing case for the economy, efficiency and environmental benefits of rail freight supported by regional hubs for local road delivery, especially in the upper half the North Island. Continue →
Contractors not to blame for Wellington Water dysfunction
Commitment to better management and leadership for Wellington’s water networks is welcome, but little will change without a less combative approach, cautions Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard
Reports released this week highlight systematic governance and operational failures, with a lack of direction, oversight, funding and checks and balances to keep the region’s water networks on track. Continue →