We’re saddened to share the sudden passing of our longest serving employee, Peter Hayward. Last Friday sharing our condolences with his family and friends, and acknowledging the many contributions he made to industry. Peter came to New Zealand in 1983. Leaving a good job with the Atomic Energy Commission in the UK, to seek a better…
On 8 March the world celebrated International Women’s Day. So it seemed only right that for this months staff profile I introduce you to one of the lovely ladies in our midst – Intern Quỳnh Anh Vũ. Known to all of us as Anh – I can say without a doubt she brings an energetic and…
History helps us understand change. The world around us is in a constant state of change, and understanding this in society plays a pivotal role in being able to interpret the world that we see now. Up until now the history of HERA has been recorded in typical factual style. But, we believe there is much more to…
Our metals industry should be driven to make steel the material of choice for designers. A way we can achieve that, is by simplifying the design process through the use of electronic tools and guides. The current market share for steel in construction is 50% nationally. We’ve had particular success in warehouses and multi-storey office…
The biggest single industry in New Zealand for waste is building and construction. So with commercial construction at record levels, residential building consents peaking at 1970’s levels, massive housing shortages combined with anticipated additional demand from Kiwibuild – we must find a better way. The solution is adopting circular economy thinking. Not only does this…
What do you ACTUALLY do? Your answer can help our industry better promote itself. There is no doubt that heavy engineering has an image problem. We’re consistently hearing how hard it is to attract and retain quality staff. Students are not choosing it as a study focus. Apprentices are hard to find. Women are not…
It’s amazing what you get to learn about someone when you take the time to sit down and really chat. My latest catch up with our Senior Structural Engineer Jing Cao was no different! Growing up in Shanghai China – I think Jing was destined to be an engineer. Although as a youngster he was an…
At HERA we have a real commitment to help our members address the challenges that are facing them. One we hear often is the skills gap which is hindering our members from delivering what’s in their pipeline – particularly as we look to the future. As a research association, it’s often hard to find a…
Last month our Welding Research Engineer Holger Heinzel spent two weeks at the University of Wollongong (UoW) Facility for Intelligent Fabrication (FIF) gaining hands on experience on the latest technology. It’s valuable insight that we can’t wait to bring to our membership! Whilst there Holger explored 3D scanning, virtual-reality assisted fabrication planning, CAD data driven…
If you think you’re safe from disruption, then think again. Because by the time a disruptive change has overtaken us, we won’t have time to react. If recent history is anything to go by, our future will be full of change. Innovations in the digital space have already transformed us, and the rate of change…
It’s not often you’d expect a heavy engineering research association to talk homelessness to their membership. But, having recently discovered that three homeless people were sleeping in the undercover area at the back of HERA House – here we are. The discovery led to some really challenging discussions amongst HERA House tenants on how to…
Sitting for long periods is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat. This makes it a serious health and safety consideration with emerging awareness of its impacts. A range of studies show growing evidence for the serious consequences of pro-longed sitting.…