new zealand heavy engineering research association

The HERA Foundation achieves its objectives governed by a honorary Board of Trustees, a small admin team and solid base funding.

Our structure .

The HERA Foundation is a Charitable Trust Board established in 1992 by a trust deed between HERA (Heavy Engineering Research Association) and its First Trustees.

The HERA Foundation Trust Board consists of 5 trustees and by rotation include the Chair and Deputy Chair of HERA. To ensure the boards independence of HERA, the other three trustees are appointed on 5 year terms by the Trust Board. One additional trustee can be co-opted.

Our Trustees are:

Noel Davies

Joint Managing Director, Hydraulink Fluid Connectors I Independent Trustee I HERA Foundation Chair 

Noel Davies served 21 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy finishing as a Lieutenant Commander in the Logistics Department. His last job was based in Southampton where he and a team of three others were responsible for putting the HMNZS Southland through a refit at Vosper Thornicroft’s yard. When he retired in 1985, he worked for a publicly listed company in a division that was associated with the metals industry. The crash of 1989 saw Noel purchase a company which again was involved in the metals industry. During his time in the Navy, he undertook not only professional training but also courses on people management and coaching, strategic planning, communication, financial management and both military and civil law, but the most valuable Noel beliefs, was the training he received on how to work with a team or individual to get them aligned and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes.

Noel believes in giving back to society and has been involved in many charitable and business organizations. In 1986, this drive led him to stand as a Board Member of the New Zealand Engineering Federation (NZEF). As their representative, in 1992, he joined the HERA Executive and later became the HERA Chair, the first non-engineer to do so. In 2006 he elected HERA Foundation Trustee and Chair. The HERA Foundation Chair role also meant him staying on as Foundation representative on the HERA Board, making him the longest serving HERA Executive. In 2023 he will have completed 30 years of continuous service to the metals industry.

Supporting strong cross-sector industry initiatives, he was instrumental for HERA, as industry research association, developing a R&D-related industry advocacy role. He supported, along with other kindred organisations, the formation of the industry association Metals New Zealand and became later its chair. 

But Noel applies his drive, commercial nonce, people skills and ability to think strategically not just to engineering, and since leaving the Navy he has become the Chair of several successful companies and not-for-profit organizations such as the Auckland Medical Research Association, naval organizations, and through his big love for sport to the Board of Baseball New Zealand, the Chair of Tautara Baseball and Basketball, and Hockey NZ.

His latest passion is the restoration of wetlands and the planting of native trees. Noel is a keen Boaty, golfer and fisherman, he enjoys time with his family, their beach house, travel and red wine.

Says Noel about his vision and contribution to the HERA Foundation: “I would love to continue contributing to the engineering industry because I believe that a successful vibrant metals industry is so important to the New Zealand Economy and that HERA has a key role to play in achieving this. I really enjoy the people in HERA and its members who never fail to amaze me with talents and abilities.”

Dave Anderson

Technical Director, John Jones Steel | Ex-officio Trustee as HERA Chair 

Craig Stevenson

Technical Director – Built Environment, Aurecon | Ex-Officio Trustee as HERA Deputy Chair

As Technical Director and structural engineer with Aurecon, my professional career spans 30+ years. During this time I’ve played key roles in the design and design management of a range of building and civil infrastructure engineering projects in New Zealand and across Asia. Currently, I’m responsible for management and technical leadership, client development and project delivery in the Built Environment business of Aurecon.

I’ve been involved in the successful delivery of a wide range of technically complex and challenging projects across New Zealand, Hong Kong, China and Vietnam.  Bringing a creative and innovative design approach to engineering, with specific capability in high rise buildings, airport terminal facilities, retail and health facilities. I have  particular expertise in seismic engineering and have been responsible for numerous seismic assessments of building structures, strengthening and major extensions to existing buildings.

I’m a strong advocate of the use of structural steel in the building sector – and believe being part of HERA’s Executive Board, and associated to this, serving as a trustee on the HERA Foundation Board, is a pathway for supporting, promoting and having conversations that work towards this.

Duncan Fraser

Director ACME Engineering I Independent Trustee I HERA Foundation Deputy Chair

Duncan Fraser has been a HERA Foundation trustee since 2012 having previously served on the HERA executive for  15 years including one term as Chairman.

Duncan has a BE (Hons) degree from Canterbury University in Mechanical Engineering, is an NZIW Certified Welding Engineer and is a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand.

Duncan is Managing Director of Acme Engineering Ltd, a heavy engineering fabricator based in Petone, Wellington.

Sean Gledhill 

Director Beca I HERA Trustee

How the HERA Foundation is base funded  

Thanks to the vision of our industry leaders and a government of the day being supportive of industry driven R&D, the New Zeeland Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) was set up in 1978 based on its own Heavy Engineering Research Levy (HERL) Act. By way of this legislation, HERA receives stable base funding from an industry-paid levy on heavy steel and welding consumables collected by the government on behalf of its industry. 

Additional to considerable government research contributions during its establishment years, in 1986 HERA also received a 50% government contribution towards building its home base named HERA House.

With the view to enlarge the funding base for industry research and development purposes, the HERA Executive established in 1992 the charitable Heavy Engineering Educational and Research Foundation (HEERF), which in 2019 was renamed HERA Foundation.

And to establish stable base income for the Foundation to fund its objectives, HERA gifted HERA House to the Foundation and agreed to pay commercial rates for leasing the building to HERA as main tenant.

FY21/22 Annual Report

Hera foundation chair report for year ending 30 th june 2022.

HERA Charitable Trust

As an introduction, the HERA Foundation is a charitable trust with the mission to promote the study and understanding of the use of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the engineering industry. It was established by HERA through settlement of its HERA House assets to provide income to the Trust to meet its objectives.

What did we do? And how did we do it.

• HERA House – Building Maintenance and Development

The HERA Foundation’s main asset is HERA House, which is New Zealand’s centre for research, education, and coming together of its metal-based engineering industry. Maintaining and further developing HERA House is the Trust’s number one objective.

The approved HERA Innovation Centre Project, put on hold in the previous year, was restarted. Our tenant HERA requested to consider obtaining Greenstar 6 rating for the Centre as a first for a structural steel building in New Zealand. Following a Greenstar 6 feasibility assessment, the trustees agreed with HERA to change the design as a verifiable contribution to our climate challenges.

The carpark extension, replacing carparks to be used by the Innovation Centre to be build, has been completed and we are pleased to report that it meets environmental requirements of stormwater retention and detention and 2 Electric Vehicle charging stations, assisting to meet the envisaged Greenstar 6 rating for the Innovation Centre.

In FY 21/22 a total of $191,371 was spent via depreciation on HERA House compared to $169,152 in the previous year.

• HERA Grant Projects

Continuing our efforts to drive research and industry development, this year’s Grant to HERA was $13,500 as compared to $14,508 in the previous year. It supported the HERA visiting scholar program the HERA student membership program and.

This year’s HERA Foundation Scholar was Prof Pingsha Dong from the University of Michigan, USA. Due to Covid 19 his contribution was delivered in from of an e-format course covering the theme “Principles and methods for design of welded structures”.

The HERA student membership program contributes to the student membership of HERA were there are currently 121 student members.  The program supports the Māori in Engineering Whanake Scholarships (x3), discounted and/or free design guides & seminars and free student access to the MetalMind app. This year the program also supported the UoA Mechanical & Mechatronic engineering student association (MECHA) wellness event before their exams) and you find more information here from the MECHA event. The program is also now supporting the AUT Woman in Tech, which includes providing mentors to the students.

Mental health is something that businesses are needing to think more deeply about when it comes to the health and safety of their teams. This is why the HERA Foundation is pleased to support HERA to sponsor this year’s University of Auckland’s MECHA wellness events and drop the stigma around looking after mental health in lead up to exams

The HERA student awards program this year was again put on hold due to Covid, but here is the link to the presentation of The HERA UoA award for the best final year project involving metals. And via the HERA student membership program, the Foundation supported the HERA Woman in Engineering AUT award winner (Jasmine Schwieters) who received a financial sweetener to celebrate her award.

HERA Woman in Engineering AUT award winner Jasmine Schwieters

• HERA-administered R&D Projects

This year’s budget for HERA-administered R&D projects was $75,000. However, due to developments outside HERA and its university partners’ control, a R&D grant refund took place and $34,499 were given back to the Foundation.

In the welding/steel construction area, at the end of the previous financial year, a new PhD scholar had started at the University of Auckland as part of the HERA seismic research program. However, health issues forced the recipient to step back, and most of the $35,000 annual scholarship grant was paid back.

A second approved scholarship in the HERA seismic research program had a late set back with a signed-up recipient stepping back due to an industry work offer. Something highlighting the challenge to provide attractive scholarships leading to a more academic oriented professional pathway.

The ROBUST research program jointly performed by the UoC and UoA, supports large scale testing of New Zealand seismic connections in co-operation with China’s Tongji University. Due to Covid 19 the program was delayed and completing is now not expected before end of 2022.

Want to support the HERA Foundation?

It is the one of the goals of the Foundation to support top class research, innovation and understanding of disruptive technologies to boost engagement and innovation within our workforce and as such, I would like to remind you that you have an opportunity to make a real difference.  A small donation can immediately have an impact on the future of our workforce and ability to share and foster expertise – because if our industry isn’t willing to support itself, who will?

As your Chairperson, I would like to encourage you to make a living donation now – not only to be able to see the positive difference your contribution can make, but also so you can benefit from the tax rebates you’re given through supporting our charitable trust.

To support the donation process but also to demonstrate our achievements and share our successes, we have developed our own HERA Foundation website which just got live ( www.herafoundation.org.nz ).  And why not make now a small contribution through the Donate-now portal of our new website.

Our Foundation relies on the generosity of our industry and the support of our board of trustees. Together with fellow trustees Duncan Fraser, HERA Chair Dave Anderson; HERA Deputy Chair Craig Stevenson and former HERA Director Dr Wolfgang Scholz who also performs the Secretary/Treasurer Function, I look forward to seeing the rewards of our efforts to promote and grow the metals industry into the future.

Nga mihinui ki a koutou katoa

FY20/21 Annual Report

Hera foundation responds proactively to 2 nd year of covid 19, financial year ending june 2021 and covid.

It is fair to say that unlike most companies in New Zealand, the Foundation was not hugely impacted by a year of uncertainty and disruption not seen before. In response to COVID, the Board took a people first approach to ensure that all staff were safe, and we liaised with the CEO of HERA to ensure COVID Plans for the building were developed, refined, and modified to suit the changing levels.

The main income impact of the various COVID-19 lock downs was that the Board agreed to leave HERA’s tenant rent unchanged and not to impose a valuer recommended 4.5% rent increase

Main expense items affected were:

• Building maintenance was up by 45% compared to last year as we took the opportunity to carry out needed maintenance.
• We went ahead with building a new carpark.
• Compared to last year we spent $29k less in scholarships because signed up scholarship recipients did not show up.
• Some projects did indeed go ahead as planned, such as:
• our own website development,
• The HERA student membership initiative,
• Further planning work for the HERA Innovation Centre

The net result was income was on budget and on par for last year, and expenses $6.5K behind last which resulted in $5K of additional surplus compared to last year ($112,938 compared to 107,923).

Our building activities

In the previous FY we responded enthusiastically to the HERA request to build a dedicated HERA Innovation Centre adjacent to the existing HERA House. We also went out to our members soliciting sponsorship contributions to the new addition with excellent indicative commitment. However, with the onset of Covid19 the HERA Executive requested putting the development on hold but opted for going ahead with the related carpark extension to cater for the carparks to be lost when the Innovation Centre will be built.

The trustees agreed with this request and opted for a new, environmentally responsive permeable paving solution, which also provides for future roof water detention from the to be built Innovation Centre. The permeable paving concept will be subject of a case study and in this context, we want specifically to acknowledge the sponsorship received from paving stone suppliers Bower Brothers. The car-park development also included two EV charging stations with greatly appreciated sponsorship from HERA member and HERA House tenant Steltech.

H ERA Hous e novel permeable paving technology carpark

Future Proofing HERA House – new EV charging stations

As noted above, due to Covid 19, our grants to drive research and industry development was modest only. Our Grant to HERA and universities was $48,500. This was only 16% of our income while usually we spent about 30-50%. Three HERA related programs benefitted from this:

In the welding/steel construction area, new PhD scholar Xin Chen started at the University of Auckland as part of the HERA seismic research program. A second contracted student could not start due to Covid 19, however we hope to fill the gap shortly with a new applicant.

The ROBUST research program jointly performed by the UoC and UoA, supports large scale testing of New Zealand seismic connections in co-operation with China’s Tongji University. Due to Covid 19 the program was delayed and completing is no not expected before end of 2022.

Former HERA Foundation PhD scholar, now HERA staff member and soon to be Dr Hafez Taheri

Congratulations go to a former HERA Foundation scholarship recipient and now HERA staff member Hafez Taheri for the awarding of his PhD in Civil Engineering by the UoA. Completing a PhD in Engineering is hard work, and it is great to see that the Trust investment paid off.

• Supporting professional development

This year’s visiting expert was associated with structural engineering and due to Covid 19 his presentation was in e-format. Robert E. Shaw Jr from the Steep Structures Technology Centre (SSTC), USA delivered his structural bolting course to over 45 engineers across New Zealand and Australia.

The HERA student membership program supports the student membership of HERA, university student association events, student awards, Maori in Engineering Whanake Scholarship, and the development of resource material for engineering students.

But the traditional sponsorship of HERA student prizes for metals-based projects did not eventuate. The popular university events were not held due to Covid-19.

To support the donation process but also to demonstrate our achievements and share our successes, we have developed our own HERA Foundation website ( www.herafoundation.org.nz ) and it should be live from September 2022.

FY19/20 Annual Report

Hera foundation supports hera innovation centre development and responds to covid19 challenges  .

The HERA Foundation is a charitable trust with the mission to promote the study and understanding of the use of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the engineering industry. It was established by HERA through settlement of its HERA House assets to provide income to the Trust to meet its objectives.

• Our income and expenses

Our total income was $312k – obtained through HERA House earnings, donations, and interest on an endowment fund. 

Normally around 30-50% of these funds go back to the Metals Industry via Grants to HERA for postgrad scholarships and supporting several research and educational programs. However, due to Covid19, there were delays in the commencement of scholarship starts, and as a consequence only 13% of the available funds were spent.

The reminder of income goes back into administration, maintenance and future proofing our main asset which is  HERA House. This year we paid back the last $171,000 of our loan taken out to refurbish HERA House. 

We also responded to the HERA request to build a dedicated HERA Innovation Centre adjacent to the existing HERA House and $126k was spend planning the new building and achieving resource consent. We also went out to our members soliciting sponsorship contributions to the new addition with excellent indicative commitment. However, with the onset of Covid19 and the subsequent financial uncertainty, the HERA Executive requested putting the development on hold.  The trustees agreed with this request and at the closure as at the date of this report, the hold project was still on hold. 

Continuing our efforts to drive research and industry development, our Grant to HERA was $41,681 for FY19/20.  Five HERA research programmes benefitted from this, namely:

The HERA seismic research program, performed in conjunction with the New Zealand universities AUT, UoA and UoC, has been New Zealand’s most successful, long-term steel construction program and leading to ongoing improvements making our buildings safer while at the same time maintaining our industry’s cost effectiveness. And the Foundation trustees are pleased to be able to support this program especially with getting new professional talent into this technology.

PhD scholar Hafez Taheri completed the last of his 3 years of scholarship support and is now a HERA research engineer. His research comes up with new pragmatic design provision for cost-effective, full penetration T-butt welds in welded moment connections. Hafez is about to hand in his thesis and a key publication his has been peer reviewed and is about to be published by the Welding in the World journal. And now at HERA he is working on implementing his findings in our design guides

As a world-first, Hafez Taheri seismic testing program also included welded stainless steel moment frame samples, demonstrating a promising pathway for the use of stainless steel for example in exposed architectural steel.

In continuation of HERA seismic program two further new PhD scholarships had been approved for starting in the FY reported on. However, a change in mind of one of the contracted students and Covid 19 delays for the second coming from overseas, meant a change in plans and the trustees will shortly be reviewing what will happen to this program.  

Via a co-operation of UoA and AUT, UoA-graduated PhD, Dr Shahab Ramhormozian, is now as lecturer in Structural and Earthquake Engineering, writing up the Sliding Hinge Joint (SHJ) design guide . This SHJ design started out many years ago with the Foundation supported PhD of Ass. Prof. Charles Clifton and the Foundation is proud now supporting its professional application. The SJH design has been continuously improved into the no-damage Optimised SJH (OSHJ) design. Aim of the guide is to explain the OSHJ advantages of superior performance over traditional systems and the lifetime of a building with no need to inspect/retighten/replace the sliding components following a severe earthquake and show how to design them. The project is delayed due to Covid19 and an industry trial application providing useful feedback.

The Foundation’s $25k support for the international ROBUST (Robust Building Systems) Project – a co-operative international research project seismically testing a real size building incorporating the latest New Zealand seismic connections – demonstrated the effectiveness of our grant application and contracting process, including ensuring that the developed IP will be available to our industry. Struggling financially to take advantage of this unique offer by China’s Tongji University, the UoC led consortium came to the Foundation and other organisations such as BRANZ and EQC, asking for support of the New Zealand input into the test building. Good progress was made, but again due to the Covid19 crisis the project delivery will be delayed.

The fifth sponsored project supported the investigation of a disruptive, steel-based, sustainable cycleway concept by former HERA Director Dr Wolfgang Scholz. The concept’s vision is to build weather-shielded cycle highways instead of costly new roads, complementing the conventional cycleway infrastructure and allowing dependable, high volume usage on the worst-weather day which is justifying the large investment. Named SkyCylce due to option for going into the third dimension in space constraint city environments, the concept’s feasibility has been researched in a discussion paper and is published as HERA Report R5-89. It is hoped that it will stipulate innovative thinking around sustainable transport solutions with the long-term view of SkyCycle becoming a business opportunity for our industry.

HERA Foundation’s visiting 2019/20 expert was Prof Adolf Hobbacher, giving a seminar series on ‘Design of Welded Structures – Fatigue and Fracture’ in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch in February 2020.

With over 75 professionals attending, the seminars covered a range of fatigue assessment techniques focussing on a widely used assessment based on a nominal stress method as used in AS/NZS 5100.6, NZS 3404.1 and AS 4100 as well as IIW Guideline “Fatigue design of welded structures”. Work examples to demonstrate the application of the assessment methodology were presented giving attendees the knowledge to make appropriate interpretations of existing design and analysis methods included in various codes and standards.

Attendees at the Welded Structures Design seminar with in insert Prof Adolf Hobbacher (left) and NZ Welding Centre Manger Dr Michail Karpenko

The HERA Foundation also continued its support for the HERA student membership established last year by its CEO, Dr Troy Coyle. The Foundation funding was used to develop as a student resource the P4001 Steel Design Guide, which is due to be released shortly. HERA now has 53 student members across our technical oriented universities and has started profiling student members in the HERA social network and is regularly posting in the student only Facebook page. A student panel session at the HERA Future Forum explored how the students felt about our industry. 

Our student awards grant supported once again final year mechanical engineering student project events for both the University of Auckland (UoA) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT). It is pleasing to see metals engineering continues to be a topic of choice for our students. 

At AUT the HERA prize was awarded to Amjad Mohideen, Kurt Russell and Wen Jun See for their project “TIG Welding of Boron/Boron Free Steels”.

HERA research engineer Hafez Taheri presenting the HERA Prize to AUT’s Wen Jun See on behalf of his team

At the UoA’s Department of Mechanical Engineering Final Year Project Displays the HERA prize went to Ravindra Anurithan and Joseph Tildesley for their project on “Design and Manufacture of Compliant Structures for in-road Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions”. Their project focused on Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs), which are made from ferrous metal powder and polyurethane resins and assessed on their suitability for in-road inductive power transfer application developed by the University of Auckland’s Power Electronics Group.

• Want to support the HERA Foundation? 

It is the one of the goals of the Foundation  to support top class research, innovation and understanding of disruptive technologies to boost engagement and innovation within our workforce and as such, I would  like to remind you that you have an opportunity to make a real difference.  A small donation can immediately have an impact on the future of our workforce and ability to share and foster expertise – because if our industry isn’t willing to support itself, who will?  

As your Chairperson, I would like to encourage you to make a living donation now – not only to be able to see the positive difference your contribution can make, but also so you can benefit from the tax rebates you’re given through supporting our charitable trust. 

Our Foundation relies on the generosity of our industry and the support of our board. Together with fellow trustees Duncan Fraser, HERA Chair Matthew Kidson, HERA Deputy Chair Dave Anderson; and former HERA Director Dr Wolfgang Scholz who also performs the Secretary/Treasurer Function, I look forward to seeing the rewards of our efforts to promote and grow the metals industry into the future. 

FY18/19 Annual Report

The hera foundation reviewed its trust deed and developed a future focused strategy.

HERA’s quest to promote the study and understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in engineering is pursued through the independent charitable trust the HERA Foundation.

Our total income was $312k – obtained through HERA House earnings, donations and interest on an endowment fund offered in support of our key objectives. About 33% of these funds were transferred back to industry via a Grant to HERA to run a number of projects and award sponsorships. The reminder goes back into administering and future proofing our asset HERA House.

Continuing our efforts to drive research and industry development, our Grant to HERA was $102,312 for FY2018/19.  Four HERA research programs benefitted from this.

In the welding/steel construction area, PhD scholar Hafez Taheri started his third year with excellent progress in his research on the performance of welded structures in seismic active regions. He is close to completing his PhD and has already been made an offer by HERA to become a staff member in the Welding Centre.

PhD student Hafez Taheri with representatives from UoA and Industry witnessing seismic test #5. The insert shows one example of longitudinal weld test specimen prepared for determining fillet weld strength

In an effort to ensure our research finds its application we supported the development and publication of a design guide on sliding hinges as used in steel construction. This project is being performed by PhD student, Shahab Ramhormozian, who started out as PhD student at the University of Auckland and is now a lecturer at AUT.

In the AGGAT renewable energy program, UoA PhD student Shoulung Dong completed his third and last year of the HERA Foundation scholarship into the development of an Expert Design Tool which will simplify design tasks within Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant and help assessing prospective heat resources for ORC application. We understand that Shoulong is close to completing his PhD. The fourth project supported is a business development initiative by our former HERA Director Dr Wolfgang Scholz. Wolfgang is investigating the economic and technical viability of all-weather cycle and pedestrian paths on the ground and elevated and hence in the “Skycycle” project name. He reported to our members in HERA’s February MetalBase. A draft paper on the concept has been delivered and will be used for consultation with interested parties and in an upcoming industry workshop to explore member and general interest.

Supporting professional development HERA Foundation’s visiting 2018/19 Expert was Arrie van Niekerk, a leading specialist facilitator on Theory of Constraints (TOC). Arrie says improvement of more than 20% is experienced regularly, within the same infrastructure with the same people, but with a different mental framework. A 2-day training course was held in Auckland and in Christchurch plus an individual training session for HERA staff with very positive attendee feedback.

Theory Of Constraint training seminar attendees in Auckland. Visiting Expert Arrie van Niekerk is on the left

A new HERA Foundation supported initiative of HERA CEO Dr Troy Coyle was the establishment of a HERA student membership. Essential steps such as defining the student category, developing a marketing frame work, changing the HERA rules and receiving HERA Executive approval have been achieved. Additionally, as part of our long-term commitment to the HERA  student membership, development started on a student design guide for worked steel construction design examples.

Our student awards grant supported once again University of Auckland Final Year Projects for Mechanical Engineering. With around 180 students and 90 projects on display – our prize was specifically offered for projects involving metals. This year awarding students Nancy Zhou and Mildred Wong with our ‘Best Metals Project’ for our sponsored category. Great to see two female students winning our award and you can read up on this award in the November MetalBase .

Winners of the HERA 2018 Mechanical Engineering Final Year Project prize 

Although strongly linked to HERA as their charitable foundation, complying with an updated Charitable Trust Act requires the independent running of the HERA Foundation. The review of our trust deed in this regard led to a change in our trustee’s appointment rules. 

However, in alignment with HERA we also decided to develop our own strategy with focus on meeting our trust’s objectives particularly in the skills development area. In practice this means not just relying on the income from HERA House but to actively raise more founds through sponsorship.

Associated with this sponsorship goal was the objective to increase the profile of the foundation. Along with this went the decision to establish our own website and in a first step create our own logo. A logo design competition was held with our new logo being adopted symbolising the people aspect of our work and the strong link to HERA. 

As we support top class research, innovation and understanding of disruptive technologies to boost engagement and innovation within our workforce, I’d remind you that you have an opportunity to make a real difference.  A small donation can immediately have an impact on the future of our workforce and ability to share and foster expertise – because if our industry isn’t willing to support itself, who will?  

And as your Chairperson, I’d like to encourage you to make a living donation now – not only to be able to see the positive difference your contribution can make, but also so you can benefit from the tax rebates you’re given through supporting our charitable trust

Our Foundation relies on the generosity of our industry and the support of our board. Together with fellow trustees Duncan Fraser, HERA Chair Mike Lehan, HERA Deputy Chair Matthew Kidson; and Dr Wolfgang Scholz who also performs the Secretary/Treasurer Function, I look forward to seeing the rewards of our efforts to promote and grow the metals industry over the next few years. 

For industry

For providers.

Dr Troy Coyle

Dr Troy Coyle is the Chief Executive Officer of NZ Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA). She has more than twenty years of experience in the engineering and manufacturing sectors in both New Zealand and Australia, including senior roles with New Zealand Steel Ltd, Blue Scope Steel Ltd, and the University of Wollongong. 

Dr Coyle was previously the Co-Chair of the interim Establishment Board and then the Establishment Board of Hanga-Aro-Rau. She has a portfolio of governance roles which include being a Director of the Sustainable Steel Council, Construction Innovation Council, HERA Cert, and a member of MBIE’s Building Advisory Panel.

We have commissioned a study to understand the barriers, enablers, accessibility, and employment experiences of disabled people in our industries.

Click HERE to participate!

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The 13 th Pacific Structural Steel Conference

Chengdu，China·October 27-30, 2023

The Pacific Structural Steel Conference (PSSC) has been successfully held for eleven consecutive sessions since founded in 1986. The inaugural conference was organized by the New Zealand Heavy Engineering Research Association. Since then, the PSSC has been held every three years. The 2 nd  PSSC was held in Australia in 1989; the 3 rd  one was in Japan in 1992; the 4 th  PSSC and the next session were held in Singapore and Korea. After the PSSC2004 in America, the 8 th  PSSC returned to its land of origin in 2007. China Steel Construction Society (CSCS) organized the 6 th  and 9 th  conferences in Beijing in 2001 and 2010 respectively, and the 11 th  meeting in Shanghai. In 2013, the Singapore Steel Structure Association hosted the 10 th  conference. The 1 3 th   PSSC was decided to be held in China   through the 12 th   meeting of PCSSA (Pacific Council of Structural Steel Association) in Japan   in 201 9 .

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Proposed material requirements for category 3 members in seismic-resisting systems.

The Steel Structures Standard material provisions for seismic applications are intended to ensure that the grade of steel chosen can meet the expected inelastic demand in both seismic and non-seismic applications (SNZ, 1997a). This includes suppressing brittle failure. The current NZS 3404 1997/2001/2007 material requirements are identical for category 1, 2, and 3 members, even though the inelastic seismic demand from category 3 members is much lower than that from category 1 and 2 members. This lack of differentiation of material requirements has created problems sourcing compliant steels for seismic-resisting systems.

MAT2002.pdf

The New Zealand Structural Steelwork Specification in Compliance with AS/NZS 5131: Key Elements to Managing the Compliance of Fabricated Structural Steelwork

The Structural Steelwork – Fabrication and Erection standard AS/NZS 5131 (SA/SNZ, 2016c), is cited as an acceptable standard for demonstrating compliance with the Building Code. This standard published in 2016, was developed in response to the increased compliance risk posed by global sourcing of fabricated structural steelwork. AS/NZS 5131 defines what competent structural steel contractors must do to control and demonstrate the quality of their work.

FAB2001.pdf

Practice Note on the Sourcing of Compliant High Strength Structural Bolts

The New Zealand  Steel Structures Standard  states that high strength structural bolts shall be supplied to AS/NZS 1252.  This standard underwent a major revision and was published on 23rd December 2016. The major technical changes incorporated in the new edition relate to updated testing and conformity requirements, the inclusion of the nominated European standard EN 14399-3 8.8 HR bolt as a “Deemed to satisfy” alternative and an additional European EN 14399-3 high tensile grade 10.9 HR.

A significant change to AS/NZS 1252 has been the creation of a new Part 2, title “Verification testing for bolt assemblies’. This represents a restricted form of third party conformity assessment, to provide confidence in products manufactured to AS/NZS 1252.1.

MAT1010.pdf

Practice Note on the Sourcing of Threaded Rod Used for Foundation Bolts

Threaded bars are commonly used in the structural engineering industry. It is used as replacement for long bolts as well as for concrete anchors and foundation bolts.  This product is not covered under New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1252, ‘High strength steel bolts with associated nuts and washers for structural engineering’. This article is intended to provide information on the appropriate standard to specify for threaded rods used for foundation bolts and the recommended verification testing.

MAT1011.pdf

Basis for and Implications of Key Changes to 2016 Structural Steel Product Standards

In April 2016, the suite of AS/NZS structural steel product standards were republished (AS/NZS 1163, 3678, 3679.1-2) (SA/NZS, 2016). This paper provides a summary of the key changes, the basis for these changes and interim recommendations until full supply of steel products to the latest standard is available.

MAT1009 .pdf

Checklist for Imported Structural Steelwork

The globalisation of the structural steel supply chain has sparked concern over the quality of fabricated steelwork in New Zealand building projects when sourced from low-cost countries. Demonstrating compliance of imported material with the requirements of the New Zealand structural steel and welding standards can be very challenging: there are cultural, geographical and language barriers, and often a lack of independent quality assurance associated with offshore fabricator workshops.  Guidance for ensuring compliance of structural steelwork is provided in the following article:

• Fussell, A., Cowie, K., Hicks, S., Karpenko, M., Ensuring Compliance of Structural Steelwork – Regardless of Origin, Steel Advisor QLT1001, Steel Construction New Zealand, 2016  (This article was first published in SESOC Journal Volume 29 No 1 April 2016)

In response to requests from Building Control Authorities a checklist has been developed as a guide to assess compliance of imported fabricated steelwork. The checklist is to be read in conjunction with the above referenced article.  The checklist provides normative references to the corresponding sections of the NZS, AS/NZS standards and defines documentation required to claim compliance. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, the fabricated steelwork may be subject to additional NDT and (destructive) testing.

QLT1002.pdf

Ensuring Compliance of Structural Steelwork – Regardless of Origin

This article was first published in SESOC Journal Volume 29 No 1 April 2016.

The globalisation of the structural steel supply chain has sparked concern over the quality of fabricated steelwork in New Zealand building projects when sourced from low-cost countries. Demonstrating compliance of imported material with the requirements of the New Zealand structural steel and welding standards can be very challenging: there are cultural, geographical and language barriers, and often a lack of independent quality assurance associated with offshore fabricator workshops.

This situation has placed greater onus on Construction Reviewers (typically Professional Engineers), as the technical expert relied upon by Building Control Authorities and clients to ensure steelwork for New Zealand building and infrastructure projects meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

The aim of this paper is help Construction Reviewers better understand their role and that of the fabrication company in achieving this end. It will also discuss international and local quality initiatives that will make the Construction Reviewer’s role simpler and lower the risk of non-compliance to them. This risk is very real, in Australia there have been examples of Professional Engineers being sued for damages to cover the cost of expensive remedial work associated with non-compliant fabricated products from low cost economies (SCNZ 2014).

QLT1001.pdf

Welding to AS/NZS 1554.1 of Boron Containing Steel

Recent reports indicate that some imported steel may show elevated levels of boron; traditionally steel in Australia and New Zealand has been made without boron additions.  The welding requirements of AS/NZS 1554 have been established without considering the effect of boron as an alloying element. This article discusses steps that should be undertaken by the fabricator to ensure the integrity of the steel fabrication work when welding structural steel with elevated boron levels.

WEL1003.pdf

Changes to specifying inorganic zinc silicates to AS/NZS 2312

Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2312  Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings  provides guidelines for selection and specification of coating systems for corrosion protection of structural steelwork. The designer can choose from a selection of systems based on exposed service life to first maintenance for various environments. AS/NZS 2312 has recently undergone a major update. A short summary of the major changes to AS/NZS 2312 and use of the standard is provided in Steel Advisor GTG1008.  In addition changes have been made to the designation system for Inorganic Zinc Silicates which will be highlighted in this article.

CTG1009.pdf

AS/NZS 5131 – Why Another Fabrication and Erection Standard?

1.0 Introduction In New Zealand we have the undesirable situation of an aged Structural Steel standard by international standards and we also have two sets of standards provisions that address the minimum requirements for the fabrication and erection of structural steelwork (NZS 3404:1997 – including amendments 1&2 and NZS 3404.1:2009) This is compounded by the fact that that the most recent provisions are not cited as a verification method document.

The introduction of a new joint Australia/ New Zealand structural steelwork fabrication and erection standard on the face of it appears to be adding to the problem. In this paper the rationale for developing this new standard is discussed along with an outline of its content and a vision of how this standard might fit within a suite of AS/NZS standards covering the design, fabrication and erection of composite and non- composite structures in New Zealand

GEN2003.pdf

Paint Coating Selection and Specification: Changes to AS/NZS 2312

Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2312  Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings  provides guidelines for selection and specification of coating systems for corrosion protection of structural steelwork. The designer can choose from a selection of systems based on exposed service life to first maintenance for various environments.  AS/NZS 2312 has recently undergone a major update. Galvanizing and metal spraying have now become separate standards.  A short summary of the major changes to AS/NZS 2312 and use of the standard is provided.

CTG1008.pdf

Specifying Impact Toughness of Steel Plates for End Plate Connections in Seismic Lateral Resisting Frames

Structures designed to the Steel Structures Standard, NZS 3404, are required to be able to resist collapse under a maximum considered earthquake as directed by the Loadings Standard, NZS 1170.5. Brittle systems are not permitted. The nature of steel material is that it always contains some imperfections, albeit of very small size. When subject to tensile stress these imperfections (similar to very small cracks) tend to open. If the steel is insufficiently tough, the ‘crack’ propagates rapidly, without plastic deformation, and failure may result. This is called ‘brittle fracture’, and is of particular concern because of the sudden nature of failure. The toughness of the steel, and its ability to resist this behaviour, decreases as the temperature decreases. In addition, the toughness required, at any given temperature, increases with the thickness of the material. A convenient measure of toughness is the Charpy V-notch impact test. This test measures the impact energy (in Joules) required to break a small, notched specimen by a single impact blow from a pendulum. The tests are carried out with the specimens at specified (low) temperatures, and the steel material standards specify the required minimum impact energy values for different grades.

MAT1008.pdf

Bolted Column Splices with Minor Axis Bending

In multistory construction columns splices are provided for convenience of fabrication, transport and erection. If required the splices are located just above the floor level, which enables easy access to the joint.

There are two types of splice connection, full contact bearing and non-bearing. As the name suggests in bearing splices the axial load is transferred directly to the column below by full bearing contact, bolts and plates are intended to hold columns in place. In non-bearing splices the load is transferred through bolts and splice plates.

The design of bolted column splices with minor axis bending moment, ie two way moment resisting frames, is a complex process. There is not much literature available on this topic. A design guide that briefly discusses this topic is the South African Institute of Steel Construction’s Structural Steel Connections Guide or the “Green Book”. Another source of guidance is the Steel Construction Institute Publication 207, which covers the non-bearing splices with minor axis bending.

This article will cover design of bearing and non-bearing splice connections with minor axis bending based on the procedures outlined in the aforementioned guides, and relate the design equations to NZS 3404.

CON3102.pdf

Heat Input Limits of Welding Consumables for Earthquake Resisting Structures

The Steel Structures Standard, NZS 3404, references the AS/NZS 1554 suite of standards for compliance of welding consumables. NZS 3404 includes additional requirements limiting the heat input in the deposited weld metal for welds subject to earthquake loads or effects. This article discusses the background to these requirements, identifies welding processes restricted by the heat input limits and how to qualify welding process that are restricted by the heat input limits.

WEL3001.pdf

Development and Research of Eccentrically Braced Frames with Replaceable Active Links

Ductile eccentrically braced frames designed in accordance with the New Zealand Steel Structures Standard, NZS 3404, provide life safety during a design level or greater earthquake; however, the eccentrically braced frame active link may sustain significant damage through repeated inelastic deformation. This may necessitate post-earthquake replacement of the active link. A bolted replaceable active link can be used to facilitate replacement after a strong earthquake, which reduces repair costs. New Zealand design guidance for the seismic design of steel eccentrically braced frames was first published in 1995 by the New Zealand Heavy Engineering Research Association within HERA Report R4-76 and has been widely used in practice. This guidance has been recently updated and now includes seismic design procedures for eccentrically braced frames with replaceable links. This article covers the development and research of eccentrically braced frames with replaceable links. This includes discussions of the comprehensive research programme recently completed in Canada investigating the performance of eccentrically braced frames with replaceable links and finite element analysis undertaken by the New Zealand Heavy Engineering Research Association, to verify the design procedure for eccentrically braced frames with replaceable links.

EQK1005.pdf

Welding Consumables and Design of Welds

The Steel Structures Standard, NZS 3404, references the AS/NZS 1554 suite of standards for compliance of welding consumables. New editions of the AS/NZS 1554 suite of welding Standards have recently been published and these refer to newly published editions of the AS/NZS Standards for welding consumables. Over the last few years, Australia and New Zealand have adopted the harmonized ISO welding consumable classification system. These changes in welding consumable classification system impact on structural engineers designing fillet welds and partial penetration butt welds.

WEL1002.pdf

Specifying Steel for Seismic Lateral Resisting Frames

There are three common seismic frame types used in New Zealand. These are the eccentrically braced frame (EBF), concentrically braced frame (CBF) and moment resisting frame (MRF). See figure 1. All steel seismic-resisting systems are required to be classified into one of four categories for seismic design in accordance with the Steel Structures Standard, NZS 3404. The category of seismic frame designed will determine the displacement demand on an individual member of that seismic frame. Members of seismic frames are classified into 4 categories in the same manner as for the seismic resisting frame. Material requirements specified in NZS 3404 become more stringent for member categories associated with higher displacement demand. The identification of the seismic member categories and the subsequent specification of appropriate steel grades in the contract documents, is the responsibility of the design engineer. This article identifies what the typical seismic member categories are for three common seismic frame types used in New Zealand and identifies complying material types for these seismic member categories.

MAT1007.pdf

Web Side Plate Rotation Capacity

The Steel Construction New Zealand publication Steel Connect (SCNZ 14.1 and SCNZ 14.2) provides structural engineers with a rapid and cost-effective way to specify the majority of structural steelwork connections, in accordance with accepted fabrication industry norms. Specification of these connections also facilitates the development of reliable cost estimates by designers, fabricators, consulting quantity surveyors and constructors.

CON1201.pdf

Eccentrically Braced Frames Lateral Restraint of Link Bottom Flange

Eccentrically braced frames are required to be laterally restrained at both the top and bottom of the active link member ends to ensure reliable performance in a seismic event. There are occasions when direct lateral restraint to the bottom flange is not permitted. In this instance the lateral restraint of the bottom flange of the active link end can be achieved from minor axis bending of the brace. This article presents a simplified procedure for this approach by a way of a design example.

EQK1009.pdf

Design of the Linked Column Frame Structural System – A New Zealand Application

The Link Column Frame (LCF) system is a brace free hybrid system combining proven seismic load resisting technology; eccentrically braced frames (EBF) with removable links and moment resisting frames (MRF). It was developed to meet the requirement for continued occupancy, or at least rapid return to occupancy after a severe earthquake. This is a departure from the prevailing New Zealand seismic design approach pre the 2010/2011 Christchurch earthquake series which involves designing for controlled damage (energy dissipation) in selected elements of the seismic load resisting system which are typically not rapidly or cost effectively repaired. Engineers familiar with the design of EBF and MRF systems will readily understand and be able to apply the LCF frame structural system design concepts. The only departure from standard office practice is the requirement to undertake a non–linear push over analysis. As a result, practicing engineers will likely find the design methodology for this system easier to implement than those for some other low damage seismic load resisting solutions. Useful background information to the LCF system is found in the paper of Dusicka et. al.[1]. It is recommended this is read in conjunction with the present paper which is intended to illustrate the application of the capacity design principles of the Steel Structures Standard (NZS 3404 [2]) to this new system.

EQK1010.pdf

New Zealand Legislation

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Version as at 28 October 2021

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment .

An Act to authorise the levying of persons engaged in heavy engineering manufacture and related industries to provide funds for research into heavy engineering

1 Short Title and commencement

This Act may be cited as the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act 1978.

This Act shall come into force on 1 April 1979.

2 Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

Association means the New Zealand Heavy Engineering Research Association (Incorporated)

chief executive means the chief executive of the Ministry (within the meaning of the Research, Science, and Technology Act 2010 )

Customs or the Customs has the meaning given to Customs by section 5(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018

fabricate means to use any levied item to make machines, equipment, or structures in which the original form of the levied item is substantially modified; and fabrication has a corresponding meaning

financial year means the period of 12 months ending with 31 March in any year

heavy engineering means that branch of engineering—

which characteristically but not exclusively uses as its raw material ferrous or non-ferrous metals in the form of plate having a thickness greater than 4.5 mm or in the form of angles, shapes, and sections exceeding 80 mm by 80 mm in cross-section; or

which is engaged in the machining of components or items large enough to require cranage to present or locate the workpiece to or in a machine tool being used in the fabrication of machines, equipment, or structures,—

and which typically produces items of the kind described in Schedule 1

importer has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018

levied items means those goods specified and described in Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 and subjected to a research levy

Minister means, subject to any enactment, the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act

produce means to manufacture any levied item; and includes the making of any levied item in the form of sheet from coiled material

research levy means the levy imposed under section 4

Tariff has the meaning given to it by section 2(1) of the Tariff Act 1988.

Section 2 chief executive : inserted , on 2 August 1990 , by section 14(1) of the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990 (1990 No 72).

Section 2 chief executive : amended , on 1 February 2011 , by section 18 of the Research, Science, and Technology Act 2010 (2010 No 131).

Section 2 Collector of Customs : repealed , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

Section 2 Customs or the Customs : inserted , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

Section 2 Customs or the Customs : amended , on 1 October 2018 , by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).

Section 2 Director-General : repealed , on 2 August 1990 , by section 14(1) of the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990 (1990 No 72).

Section 2 importer : amended , on 1 October 2018 , by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).

Section 2 levied items : amended , on 6 November 1986 , by section 2 of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1986 (1986 No 89).

Section 2 Minister : substituted , on 2 August 1990 , by section 14(1) of the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990 (1990 No 72).

Section 2 Tariff : added , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

3 Act to bind the Crown

This Act shall bind the Crown.

Heavy engineering research levy

4 heavy engineering research levy imposed.

There is hereby imposed and shall be paid in accordance with this Act a levy on all goods comprising those items of the Tariff that are specified in Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 .

The person liable to pay the levy on any levied items shall be the person who is the importer of any levied item into New Zealand or who produces any levied item within New Zealand.

Notwithstanding subsection (1) or subsection (2), any levied item produced either wholly or in part from any other levied item, being a levied item on which a research levy has already been paid, shall, to the extent of that research levy already paid, be exempt from the payment of research levy.

The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council,—

amend Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 ; and

omit from Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 any item of the Tariff that is specified in Schedule 2 or Schedule 3—

as will accord with any amendments made to the Tariff.

An order under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

Section 4(1) : substituted , on 2 September 1996 , by section 2(1) of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 128).

Section 4(4) : substituted , on 2 September 1996 , by section 2(2) of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 128).

Section 4(5) : inserted , on 28 October 2021 , by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

5 Minister may prescribe rates of research levy

Subject to this Act, the Minister may from time to time, on the recommendation of the Association, and after consultation with The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association Incorporated , prescribe, by notice , rates of research levy payable on any levied items.

The prescribed rates shall not,—

in the case of levied items specified in Schedule 2 , exceed $20 for each tonne of goods upon which the levy is imposed apportioned rateably in respect of goods weighing less than 1 tonne; and

in the case of levied items specified in Schedule 3 , exceed 10 cents for each kilogram of goods upon which the levy is imposed apportioned rateably in respect of goods weighing less than 1 kilogram.

A notice prescribing rates of research levy must be published under the Legislation Act 2019 at least 28 days before it comes into force.

The Minister may at any time, in like manner, vary or revoke any notice made under subsection (1).

The following are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements):

a notice under subsection (1); and

a variation or revocation of a notice under subsection (4).

Section 5(1) : amended , on 28 October 2021 , by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 5(1) : amended , on 26 March 2015 , by section 4 of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 2015 (2015 No 15).

Section 5(2) : substituted , on 6 November 1986 , by section 4 of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1986 (1986 No 89).

Section 5(2)(a) : amended , on 12 December 2012 , by section 4(1) of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 104).

Section 5(2)(b) : amended , on 12 December 2012 , by section 4(2) of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 104).

Section 5(3) : replaced , on 28 October 2021 , by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 5(5) : inserted , on 28 October 2021 , by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

6 Recovery and collection

All research levies imposed under this Act shall be recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Association.

Research levies imposed on levied items produced within New Zealand shall be payable by the producer directly to the Association within such period after the items were produced as may be specified by the Association.

Research levies imposed on any levied item imported into New Zealand shall be payable on demand by the Customs in addition to duties (if any) payable to the Customs under any other enactment, and shall be payable as if the levies were duty under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 .

Section 6(3) : substituted , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

Section 6(3) : amended , on 1 October 2018 , by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).

7 Association may require information and returns

The Association may require any person who produces within New Zealand any levied item to provide the Association with such information in writing or make such return relating to that person’s manufacturing operations as may be necessary to enable the Association to assess the amount of levy due; and all such information or every such return may be verified by statutory declaration or by such other means as the Association thinks fit.

Subject to subsection (3), no person shall disclose otherwise than to the board of the Association, or any officer or employee of the Association, any information provided pursuant to subsection (1) without the consent of the producer from whom the information was obtained.

Subsection (2) shall not apply—

to the disclosure of information in the form of a summary of information which is so framed as not to enable particulars relating to any particular business to be ascertained from it; or

to any disclosure of information made for the purpose of any legal proceedings pursuant to this Act or the Customs and Excise Act 2018 , or for the purposes of any report of any such proceedings.

The provision of any information or the making of any return under this section shall not constitute a condition precedent to the right of the Association to assess, sue for, and recover any research levy payable under this Act.

Section 7(3)(b) : amended , on 1 October 2018 , by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).

8 Powers of Customs

The powers and authorities of the Customs under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in the same manner to the collection of a research levy under this Act as they apply to the collection of duty under that Act.

Without limiting subsection (1) of this section and notwithstanding section 6(1) of this Act, sections 74 , 100 , 122 , 123 , 129 to 131 , 133 , and 134 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 shall apply in respect of any research levy required to be collected by the Customs as if it were duty to be collected under that Act.

Section 8 : substituted , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

Section 8(1) : amended , on 1 October 2018 , by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).

Section 8(2) : amended , on 1 October 2018 , by section 443(3) of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4).

9 All research levies collected to be paid to Association

Subject to section 10 , all research levies received under this Act by the Customs shall be paid to the Association by the Customs .

Section 9 : amended , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

10 Crown may be reimbursed for collection of research levies

For the purpose of reimbursing the Crown for any expenses incurred by the Customs in collecting any research levy under this Act, the Customs may retain such percentage of every levy collected by him as may be determined by the Minister of Finance after consultation with the Association.

Section 10 : amended , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

Notwithstanding section 9 , in any case where a research levy has been paid to or collected by the Customs in error or in excess of the amount properly payable, the Customs may refund the amount of such levy paid or collected in error or, as the case may be, the amount of the excess, to the person by whom the levy was paid from money in the Customs’ hands which would otherwise be payable to the Association.

In any case where the Association is satisfied that any person who has paid a research levy is not engaged in heavy engineering or has paid a research levy in error or in excess of the amount properly payable, it may refund to that person the amount of research levy which has been so paid.

In any case where the Minister is satisfied that, having regard to the purposes of this Act, it would be inequitable for a research levy to be paid by any particular person or in respect of any particular levied items, he may authorise the Association to remit or refund any research levy payable by that person or in respect of those levied items.

Section 11(1) : amended , on 1 October 1996 , by section 289(1) of the Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27).

12 Expenditure of research levy

The money received by the Association from any research levy shall be used by the Association for the purposes of promoting and conducting research and other scientific work into or relating to the heavy engineering industry.

Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the money collected by way of research levy may be used by the Association for all or any of the following purposes:

the establishment and equipment of laboratories for the purpose of facilitating heavy engineering research:

the carrying out of tests and experiments on materials used in the heavy engineering industry:

the carrying out of experiments to discover improved techniques for use in the heavy engineering industry:

the establishment and maintenance of a library relating to heavy engineering techniques and materials:

the encouragement of the study of heavy engineering research and related matters:

the allocation of grants to any person, institution, or body conducting research into or relating to techniques or materials used in the heavy engineering industry in New Zealand:

the holding of lectures, seminars, exhibitions, or public meetings for the purpose of disseminating information relating to developments in the field of heavy engineering research:

the publication from time to time of information relating to the activities of the Association and to any developments in the field of heavy engineering research:

the provision of general advisory services to or on behalf of members relating to heavy engineering techniques and materials:

the acquisition of land and premises (whether by purchase, lease, or otherwise) for the purposes of the Association:

the erection of premises for the purposes of the Association, and the maintenance, alteration, repair, decoration, or improvement of the Association’s premises:

the acquisition of patents and licences relating to heavy engineering techniques and materials:

the refunding of any research levy paid in error or excess:

the payment of honoraria to officers of the Association, the payment of salaries, wages, and superannuation benefits to its employees, and the payment of travelling and accommodation expenses to or in respect of any of them in connection with the carrying out of their duties:

the payment of expenses incurred in connection with—

the day to day administration of the Association:

meetings of persons conducting the affairs of the Association, or meetings of any committee appointed by the Association.

Section 12(1) : amended , on 2 September 1996 , by section 3(1) of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 128).

Section 12(2) : amended , on 2 September 1996 , by section 3(2) of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 128).

Membership of Association

13 membership of association.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the rules of the Association, but subject to subsection (3), every person engaged in heavy engineering and using goods subject to a levy under this Act shall be entitled, by virtue of that fact and without payment of any membership or other fee, to become an associate member of the Association on his making written application to the Association for the purpose.

Every person who is an associate member of the Association shall, subject to his fulfilling his obligations as an associate member, be entitled to all the benefits of the Association conferred on associate members by its rules, but shall not have any right to exercise a vote at any general meeting of the association.

Every person who is entitled pursuant to subsection (1) to become an associate member of the Association, and who agrees to pay an annual subscription as determined by the executive of the Association, shall be entitled to become, or to continue to be, an ordinary member of the Association having the right to vote at any general meeting of the Association.

Nothing in this section shall preclude the Association from admitting to membership in accordance with its rules any person other than one who is entitled to be an associate member of the Association by virtue of subsection (1) or an ordinary member of the Association by virtue of subsection (3).

Financial provisions

14 annual accounts, etc.

The Association shall at all times ensure that full and correct records of all its financial transactions, assets, liabilities, and funds are kept.

The Association shall appoint some fit person to act as its secretary, and to keep all records and books of account.

At the end of each financial year, the Association shall prepare an income and expenditure account showing its financial transactions for that year, together with a statement of financial position as at the last day of that year. Every such statement of financial position shall give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association as at the end of its financial year, and every such income and expenditure account shall give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure for that year.

The Association shall cause the accounts prepared under subsection (3) to be audited, but no person who is an officer, employee, or member of the Association shall be capable of being appointed auditor for this purpose.

Section 14(3) : amended , on 1 October 1997 , pursuant to section 6(1) of the Financial Reporting Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 17).

15 Copy of accounts to be sent to Minister and members

The Association shall, within 3 months after the expiration of each financial year or within such extended period as the Minister may allow, provide the Minister and the chief executive with a report on its proceedings and activities during that financial year. There shall be annexed to the report copies of the income and expenditure account and statement of financial position of the Association together with a copy of the report of the auditor or auditors on them.

The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after its receipt by him, lay before Parliament a copy of the report sent to him under subsection (1) (together with a copy of the Association’s income and expenditure account and statement of financial position for the year to which the report relates).

Within 3 months after the expiration of its financial year, the Association shall send to each of its members a copy of the report sent to the Minister under subsection (1), together with a copy of its income and expenditure account and statement of financial position for that year and a copy of the report of the auditor or auditors on them.

Nothing in this section shall limit the application of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 to the Association.

Section 15(1) : amended , on 1 October 1997 , pursuant to section 6(1) of the Financial Reporting Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 17).

Section 15(1) : amended , on 2 August 1990 , by section 14(1) of the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990 (1990 No 72).

Section 15(2) : amended , on 1 October 1997 , pursuant to section 6(1) of the Financial Reporting Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 17).

Section 15(3) : amended , on 1 October 1997 , pursuant to section 6(1) of the Financial Reporting Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 17).

16 Copy of rules to be sent to Minister

If so required by the Minister, the Association shall, within such reasonable time as the Minister may specify, send him a copy of its rules, together with any amendments to them. Any such copy shall be duly certified by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies as being the registered rules of the Association.

17 Financial provisions to apply notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Association’s rules

The provisions of sections 14 to 16 shall apply to the Association notwithstanding anything to the contrary in its rules.

Offences and penalties

18 offences and penalties.

Every person commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250 or, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a similar offence, $500, who without reasonable excuse fails to provide any information or deliver any return as and when required by the Association pursuant to any provision of this Act.

Every person commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500, who—

provides any information or makes any return pursuant to this Act which to his knowledge is false in any material particular:

fraudulently avoids or attempts to avoid paying any research levy payable by him pursuant to this Act:

wilfully or recklessly discloses any information in contravention of section 7 .

Where an offence under this section committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary, or other similar officer of the body corporate, or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, he, as well as the body corporate, shall be liable to be proceeded against for the offence and punished accordingly.

Section 18(1) : amended , on 1 July 2013 , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 18(2) : amended , on 1 July 2013 , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

19 Offences by officers of Association

Every officer of the Association commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500, who—

fails, without reasonable excuse, to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the Association with any requirement imposed on it by this Act; or

wilfully does any act in contravention of the provisions of this Act, or, in any case where the Association contravenes any such provisions, connives at the contravention.

For the purposes of this section, the term officer means any member of the board of the Association and any paid secretary of it.

Section 19(1) : amended , on 1 July 2013 , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Schedule 1 Typical items produced by the heavy engineering industry

Steel fabrication for hydroelectric projects, being penstocks, gates, and lifting gear.

Steel fabrication for buildings, bridges, and towers.

Storage tanks and containers, such as grain silos, and cement and petrol storage tanks.

Pressure vessels.

Firetube boilers and ancillary equipment.

Process machinery, such as cheese-making equipment, drying plants, heat exchangers, vats and vessels, and brewing plant.

Metalworking machinery, such as hydraulic guillotines, press brakes, and roll-formers.

Sawmilling and log-handling equipment.

Cranes, hoists, forklift trucks, rail wagons, and transporters.

Construction and mining equipment, such as crushing plant, concrete mixers, and loader buckets.

Equipment used in the energy industry, in fertiliser manufacture, and in pulp and paper manufacture.

Schedule 2 Levied items in respect of which rate of levy not to exceed $20 for each tonne

Schedule 2 : replaced , on 26 August 2021 , by clause 4 of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act Amendment Order 2021 (LI 2021/175).

Schedule 3 Levied items in respect of which rate of levy not to exceed 10 cents for each kilogram

Schedule 3 : replaced , on 26 August 2021 , by clause 4 of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act Amendment Order 2021 (LI 2021/175).

This is a consolidation of the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act 1978 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.

2 Legal status

A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.

Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.

3 Editorial and format changes

The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations .

4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation

Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act Amendment Order 2021 (LI 2021/175)

Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7): section 3

Customs and Excise Act 2018 (2018 No 4): section 443(3)

Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 2015 (2015 No 15)

Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 104)

Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81): section 413

Research, Science, and Technology Act 2010 (2010 No 131): section 18

Financial Reporting Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 17): section 6(1)

Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 128)

Customs and Excise Act 1996 (1996 No 27): section 289(1)

Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990 (1990 No 72): section 14(1)

Heavy Engineering Research Levy Amendment Act 1986 (1986 No 89)

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