Allan Hill, NZIE column

Planning is underway for the institute’s 79th conference and annual general meeting, which is being hosted by the institute’s Wellington branch on 13 and 14 March 2015 at the Brentwood Hotel.

There will be some excellent speakers from the Electrical Workers Registration Board, WorkSafe and Standards NZ providing updates on changes that affect the electrical industry.

The 2015 conference secretary is Harold Knight who can be contacted at PO Box 41 015, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt 5047 or phone 04 5627 301, email Julie.knight@xtra.co.nz.

AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules amendments

After communications from the Institute to Standards New Zealand, John Kelly has confirmed it is their intention that amendments to AS/ NZS 3000 will be published as loose-leaf replacement or additional pages.

The loose-leaf version of AS/NZS 3000 was repaginated with pages numbered by section so it could be more easily accomplished. Any new edition would possibly be a complete new issue rather than replacement pages depending on the extent of the changes.

Refresher training courses

The Auckland branch has run two, well attended, Electrical Registration Board compliant, Electrical Competency Refresher Training (ECRT) sessions for its members.

This year’s enhanced ECRT training was facilitated by Kerry Harris of the Training-Corp, members who passed the training were issued with a Safer Site passport.

The passport includes a photograph of the holder, the company’s name (if applicable), a traceable unique identification code and health and safety endorsements for skill and other completed training.

Like Confined Spaces, Safe working at heights, Scaffold Safety, and Elevated Work Platforms. These ECRT courses were complimentary to financial members, with only a small charge to cover the administration costs for the cards and notification to the EWRB.

NZEI Auckland branch AGM

The Auckland branch AGM is to be held on the Thursday 18 September 2014 at 18:30 hours in the upstairs boardroom at the Birkenhead RSA. All Auckland branch financial members are requested to make a dairy note to attend this important meeting.

Testing training refresher

The Auckland branch of the institute is seeking expressions of interest in some hands-on testing compliant with AS/NZS 3107. This has come about after requests for training for some members who have concerns regarding meeting their obligations under the standard. There will be a small charge to cover the administration and cost of printing the handout.