Blog post by Jerome Partington, JASMAX: I've written several posts which highlight the big challenges and likely outcomes New Zealand is facing by our current 'unsustainability' – especially issues of growing social inequality and unmanageable climate change.

Kiwis like to get things done – fast. The quicker the design period and the faster the build, the fewer overheads and less risk to the client and contractor. It makes good business sense. Or does it?

In his last blog Jerome Partington talked about the global and local sustainability crunch hitting people and communities hard across NZ and how we need to reconnect our future vision with nature – our key ally.

Innovative ways to create better communities and improve the performance of existing buildings will be discussed by national and overseas speakers at the Building a Better New Zealand conference.

Speaking at 'The Development of Auckland' event on Tuesday 24th June, Deputy Mayor of Auckland Penny Hulse outlined an update on the Unitary Plan as well as key planning and infrastructure initiatives.

Speaking at 'The Development of Auckland' event on Tuesday 24th June, Alison Reid, Senior Researcher at Auckland Council, delivered an informative presentation of 2013 Census data.

Speaking at 'The Development of Auckland' event on Tuesday 24th June, Bob Lamason, Senior Building Consent Project Manager, gave an overview of the new structure of the Building Control team and the current consenting process.

Speaking at 'The Development of Auckland' event on Tuesday 24th June, Elizabeth Wells, SHA Consenting Manager of the Housing Project Office, delivered an informative presentation entitled 'Special Housing Areas – Opportunities and Challenges'.

This month we introduce Jerome Partington to Detailed. Jerome is an expert in sustainable building practices and is a Senior Associate at Jasmax, where he helps create some of the most advanced sustainable projects in New Zealand. 

A two-day short course on one of the industry's most important topics – sustainable building – will be running in Auckland and Christchurch in June, held by Otago Polytechnic.