Stirring The Pot

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Grier and Jill Fuller.

We explore the award-winning Hinuera Sheds project with Steelworks NZ, a standout example of sustainable construction. The team shares how they transformed a demolished shed into a world-class structure, earning global recognition at the ConstructSteel Awards. Learn how they overcame challenges like compliance and quality assurance to successfully repurpose steel, significantly reducing carbon outputs and proving what’s possible with innovative thinking.

Discover the importance of early collaboration, clever problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability in driving this project’s success. Whether you’re passionate about steel, sustainability, or simply love a great success story, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Connect with Grier & Jill

Grier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grier-fuller-83595b89/

Jill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-fuller-7b2a889a/

Contact - https://steelworksnz.co.nz/contact/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Kenneth Husted.

Unlock the secrets of successful tech transfer in the construction industry with our insightful discussion on the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project!

Kenneth, project lead for the theme of Knowledge Transfer, shares how this unique initiative prioritises not only developing new technologies but ensuring they’re effectively adopted across the construction industry. He highlights the importance of early collaboration with end-users, working together to co-create solutions that meet real-world needs. Together, HERA CEO Troy and Kenneth dive into the knowledge transfer challenges faced in construction, where uptake often trails sectors like manufacturing.

They also discuss the project’s collaborative approach, involving experts on regulatory impacts, cultural expectations, and systemic thinking to support broad industry adoption. By focusing on tech transfer from the outset, the Construction 4.0 project aims to inspire transformative change in the sector. The ultimate goal is to provide tools and insights that empower the construction industry to advance through smart, sustainable, and inclusive practices.


Connect with Kenneth
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-husted-669134/
Contact - https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/k-husted

Connect with Ngākopa Construction 4.0 Hub
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/construction4-0hub/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Professor Xun Xu.

Is data connectivity the key to transforming the construction industry? In this episode, we talk with Xun, who is the project led for the theme of Data Connectivity and Standardisation in the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project.

We talk about the impact of data standardisation on real-time decision-making, productivity, and agility. Learn how effective data management can eliminate wasted effort and explore tools like the Common Data Environment (CDE), Asset Information Models (AIM), and Product Information Models (PIM). Xun also explains the importance of data dictionaries, information containers, and templates in ensuring consistent data across projects to enhance construction quality.

We also discuss moral data sovereignty and how it connects to culturally significant building models. Xun shares how regions like Canada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands are leading efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge into data frameworks. His insights call for systematic protocols to ensure a culturally inclusive approach in construction data management.

Connect with Xun
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/xun-xu-26098238/
Contact - https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/x-xu

Connect with Ngākopa Construction 4.0 Hub
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/construction4-0hub/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Michail Karpenko, Kaveh Andisheh and Holger Heinzel.

In this episode, Michail, Kaveh, and Holger discuss the transformative concept of circular design in the context of Construction 4.0. Circular design focuses on reusing materials to extend their lifespan, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. Unlike traditional models, which often lead to material disposal, circular design emphasises modular structures and innovative design protocols that allow materials to be reused indefinitely.

The hosts explore how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play a critical role by optimising material use, tracking building components, and predicting maintenance needs. They also discuss the importance of designing buildings for easy disassembly, seismic resilience, and fire protection.

Circular design is not just about environmental sustainability but also addresses economic success and social well-being, incorporating cultural frameworks like Mātauranga Māori. The episode highlights the challenges of integrating new design methods and software systems but emphasises the potential for a more sustainable and resilient future in construction through circular design.

Connect with Michail

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michail-karpenko-4ab13730/

Contact - [email protected]

Connect with Kaveh

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaveh-andisheh/

Contact - [email protected]

Connect with Holger

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holger-heinzel/

Contact - [email protected]

Connect with Ngākopa Construction 4.0 Hub

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/construction4-0hub/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Helena Gervasio.

What if the key to a sustainable future lies with structural engineers? Join us as Associate Professor Helena Gervasio, from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and HERA Structural Systems GM Kaveh Andisheh, delve into the crucial role of sustainability in construction.

With Helenas background in structural engineering, she explains how Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) can transform our approach to sustainable building by considering environmental, economic, and social impacts over a building’s lifespan. We discuss the need to evaluate both initial and ongoing embodied carbon, and how Building Information Modeling (BIM) can integrate environmental data for more informed design decisions.

This episode highlights innovative low-carbon strategies and features a compelling case study from Christchurch, showcasing practical solutions for designers to reduce carbon emissions without compromising structural integrity. We also explore the distinction between low-carbon and sustainable building practices, offering insights into current research projects aimed at bridging gaps in industry knowledge!

Connect with Helena

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helena-gervasio-a6352741/

Connect with the University of Coimbra

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-coimbra/

Website - https://www.uc.pt/en/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Sarah McLaren.

In this episode, we chat with Sarah McLaren, Professor in Life Cycle Management at Massey University, and Sustainable Future Project Lead for the HERA led and Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0 research, about the evolving world of dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Sarah breaks down the key differences between static and dynamic LCA, emphasising how assessing environmental impacts over time is crucial, especially as we face the climate crisis. They delve into how future technologies and practices could reshape LCA for long-lived products like buildings.

Sarah also shares insights from her collaboration with BRANZ on electricity supply modeling and explores how integrating cultural perspectives, such as Māturanga Māori, can make LCA more holistic—incorporating social, cultural, and environmental impacts for better decision-making.

Connect with Sarah

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mclaren-1ba880b/

Connect with Massey University

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/massey-university/

Website - https://www.massey.ac.nz/

Tactics to achieve low carbon design (steel & steel hybrid commercial buildings) – Seminar

Join us this September for a series of essential workshops on low carbon design for low-rise buildings using steel and steel-hybrid construction!

Perfect for architects, engineers, builders, and sustainability professionals, this series offers practical, actionable guidance to help you design more sustainable projects. Learn from real-world case studies, explore evidence-based strategies, and discover how clever design can reduce carbon by up to 50%.

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Register now! - https://www.hera.org.nz/event/low_carbon_design_2024-copy/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Yvonne Chan Cashmore.

This podcast delves into the transformative concept of Interactive Healing Environments (IHEs) and their potential to enhance urban well-being. Dr. Yvonne Chan Cashmore, Associate Dean of Engagement for Auckland University of Technology (AUT), shares insights from her research on how IHEs not only improve individual health but also promote social cohesion, cultural integration, and the preservation of ancient knowledge.

Building on her multicultural background and passion for smart textiles, Dr. Chan Cashmore emphasises the importance of preserving cultural traditions while evolving them through technology. We also explore how IHEs can foster community well-being and create vibrant urban spaces by encouraging engagement and meaningful feedback.

Connect with Yvonne

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnechan999/

Email - [email protected]

Connect with Auckland University of Technology

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/autuni/

Website - https://www.aut.ac.nz/

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Robert Amor.

Robert Amor, Emerging Technologies Project Lead for HERA’s Construction 4.0 research, breaks down BIM as both a detailed model and a collaborative process. Discover how BIM’s data capabilities go beyond geometry to improve safety, heritage preservation, and cost management.

We explore the challenges of BIM implementation, such as data standardisation and ownership, with real-world insights from the University of Auckland. Finally, we look at BIM’s evolution and its integration with AI, VR, AR, and other emerging technologies, highlighting how these advancements can propel Construction 4.0 in New Zealand.

Connect with Robert

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-amor-4a5a17/

Find out more about the Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research:

Endeavour research: https://www.hera.org.nz/research-endeavour-fund/

Smart Construction: https://www.hera.org.nz/construction40-smart-construction/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/89558522/

Pre-order the ‘Ngākopa Construction 4.0’ book here!

We are close to releasing the first book publication “Ngākopa Construction 4.0” which explores why Construction 4.0 in Aotearoa makes sense. It will share insights and integrated connections across the core themes of the research – and will be a valuable resource for those interested in the future of construction or wanting to take the journey towards implementing Construction 4.0 in their business. 

Register interest here: https://www.hera.org.nz/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=frm_forms_preview&form=ngakopa2024&theme=1

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Phil Alexander-Crawford.

As CEO at Hanga Aro Rau Workforce Development Council (WDC), Phil leads the discussion on transforming vocational education, forging strong industry partnerships, and embracing workforce diversity.

Phil breaks down the staggering need to fill over 157,000 jobs by 2029 in key sectors like manufacturing, engineering, and logistics and stresses the importance of teaming up with vocational education providers to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers.

This episode also delves into upcoming government proposals and the significant role of industry in shaping a future-ready vocational education system, as well as the mahi  of WDCs in aligning education with industry needs.

Connect with Phil

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-alexander-crawford-03b12136/

Connect with Hanga-Aro-Rau WDC

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanga-aro-rau-wdc/

Website - https://hangaarorau.nz/

Find out more about vocational education focuses at HERA

Sparking your career – the role of vocational education in welding  - https://www.hera.org.nz/vocational-education-in-welding/

We need your voice – please ensure you keep an eye out for the plan of action for vocational education being released by Minister Simmonds and have your say in the consultation process - https://www.tiktok.com/@hera.nz/video/7396811190686534913?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7360481645503677960

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Dr Alice Chang-Richards, Dr Yuqian Lu and Dr Yang Zou.

All based out of the University of Auckland, together they make up the research team focused on Smart Construction in the HERA led and Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0 research via MBIE: “Developing a Construction 4.0 transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector,”

Join us as we explore the technological shifts reshaping the global construction sector, focusing on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Construction 4.0 technologies like virtual reality, AI, and robotics. Discover how these tools revolutionise Aotearoa New Zealand's construction landscape, especially for SMEs. We also discuss preliminary research findings, case studies, and the challenges of data acquisition and change management, as well as the importance of global collaboration, integrating academic research with industry practices, and incorporating indigenous knowledge and sustainability metrics. Special thanks to Alice, Yuchen, and Yang for their invaluable contributions to this important conversation on the future of construction.

Connect with the Smart Construction team 

Smart Construction Lead - Associate Professor, Alice Chang-Richards:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-chang-richards-29204921/

Construction Process Automation Expert, Yuqian Lu:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuqian-lu/ 

Construction Informatics and Digitisation Expert, Yang Zou:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yangzou89/


Pre-order the 'Ngākopa Construction 4.0' book here!

We are close to releaseing the first book publication “Ngākopa Construction 4.0” which explores why Construction 4.0 in Aotearoa makes sense. It will share insights and integrated connections across the core themes of the research.

 https://www.hera.org.nz/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php action=frm_forms_preview&form=ngakopa2024&theme=1