Our industry has come a long way over the years, and we have been lucky enough to have an industry body in SARNZ (operating for coming up 3 decades now) represent a large portion of Scaffolding, Access & Rigging companies nationwide that share united goals and essentially values, and we all want to continue to drive our industry forward. I take a lot of pride in the new role as the recently appointed president, I follow on from some individuals that have shaped and redefined our industry and I am excited for the challenge to do my part.

Scaffolding, Access and Rigging are all essential elements to any and all construction activity in New Zealand and worldwide. We are usually one of the first trades on site and the last to leave yet we are sometimes an afterthought in the planning stages and can struggle to attract school leavers entering into apprenticeships who are attracted to some of the larger trades without considering the benefits of a career in Scaffolding and/or Rigging; with NZ facing the current labour shortages this issue has only been amplified. My hope is that we can change this mindset to ensure we attract the best youngsters into our industry trades and that clients and customers see a tangible benefit in engaging with a SARNZ member company vs the alternative.

Our industry is not without challenges, as previously mentioned labour shortages are high on the list that a lot of our members are facing. In addition, RoVE review, training and streamlining our apprenticeship programmes as well as ensuring fit for purpose pathways in the Rigging space has been a real work in progress. Ensuring these pathways are firing on all cylinders is critical to train and retain staff in the industry. I want Members to be heard and issues addressed as they arise.

Personally, from a very young age Scaffolding and Rigging was a big part of my life, my father was extremely passionate about the industry and was a founding member of SARNZ back in the 90’s. Dad loved the industry and the people (characters) involved in it. He started Cunningham Construction Ltd in 1979, a business that meant as a kid I was never too far away from greasing fittings or sweeping the yard floors in the school holidays. After 15 odd years outside of New Zealand pursuing a professional sporting career the call came in from the old man to return home, a call that I didn’t shy away from. In 2018 I was elected to the SARNZ executive committee and have had the privilege of working with and learning from some of our industries best. Being re-elected to the executive this year by our members and the subsequent presidency appointment is exciting and something I do not take lightly, there is a lot to do, and I am looking forward to working with the SARNZ board as well Tina and the SARNZ team behind the scenes on the various projects and initiatives designed to achieve our strategic plan.

I look forward to working with all members on the above.

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