Summer Newsletter 2024

Healthy Homes Deadline Looms

OLIVIA COWDY / Manager, Property Management

The clock is ticking for landlords who have yet to bring their rental properties up to New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards. With the final compliance deadline set for 1 July 2025, all private rental properties must fully meet the standards by this date.

While many landlords have already ensured their properties comply, those renting out a property for the first time or who have delayed making the necessary upgrades now face less than 7 months to act. Failure to comply by the deadline could result in fines of up to $7,200, as well as mandatory work orders to enforce compliance.

Key Compliance Dates

For new tenancies starting after 3 March 2025: Properties must meet the standards by 1 July 2025 (no 120-day grace period applies).
For existing tenancies started before 1 July 2021: Compliance is required by 1 July 2025.
For tenancies starting on or after 1 July 2025: Properties must be compliant from day one.

From 1 July 2025 onward, there will be no lead-in period for compliance, so it’s essential to address any outstanding issues immediately.

What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?

Introduced in July 2019, the Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements in five key areas to ensure rental properties are safe, warm and dry:

Heating:

The minimum heating capacity must heat the main living room to 18°C.
The easiest way to calculate the required heating capacity is by using the Heating Assessment Tool.

Insulation:

Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet specific R-value requirements.
Existing insulation must be in good condition—free from mould, dampness, or damage.

Ventilation:

All habitable rooms must have windows, doors, or skylights that open to the outside, with an openable size of at least 5% of the floor area.
Kitchens and bathrooms must have extractor fans vented to the outside.

Moisture Ingress and Drainage:

Properties must have effective drainage systems, including gutters and downpipes, for storm and surface water.
Enclosed subfloors must have a ground moisture barrier if practical to install.

Draught Stopping:

No unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, or doors that cause noticeable draughts.

These standards aim to ensure rental properties are warm, dry and safe, protecting tenants’ health and landlords’ investment.

Why It Matters

More than 600,000 households in New Zealand rely on rental housing, yet research indicates rental properties are often of poorer quality than owner-occupied homes. Cold, damp, and mouldy homes are linked to health issues like asthma and cardiovascular conditions. By complying with the Healthy Homes Standards, landlords not only protect their investments, but also improve tenants’ quality of life.

If your property is not yet compliant, now is the time to act. Working with your property manager can ensure your rental meets the standards before the final deadline, avoiding financial penalties.

Don’t delay, 1 July 2025 will be here before you know it.

Gearing Up for Summer

Summer brings with it a promise of warm, lazy afternoons, barbeques with friends and evenings spent under the stars. As we welcome the warmth, it’s essential to prepare our homes for the season of sun and fun. Gearing up for summer isn’t just about pulling out the patio furniture – it’s a chance to rejuvenate and refresh our living spaces, both inside and out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some key steps to get your home summer-ready, ensuring you can relax and enjoy every sun-soaked moment.

Summer days are always best enjoyed outside, but it’s important to stay sun safe. Look around your outdoor areas for shady spots where you can retreat from the heat. Awnings, large umbrellas, or even pergolas are excellent additions to outdoor spaces, providing a cool and comfortable escape. If natural shade is more your style, consider pruning your trees to encourage healthy growth while ensuring they offer ample coverage. Trim any overgrown branches that might block light or pose a hazard and remove any dead or damaged limbs.

Your outdoor furniture has likely been in hibernation and might be looking a bit worse for wear. Start by giving everything a good wipe down. For plastic and metal furniture, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap usually does the trick. Use a soft brush to scrub away stubborn dirt and rinse thoroughly. Wooden furniture may require a bit more TLC – consider using a wood cleaner and apply a new coat of sealer or paint if necessary. Don’t forget your outdoor cushions, most of which can be cleaned with a simple soap solution, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

The exterior of your home has braved the elements all year round, so it deserves a good clean. You can start by washing the windows – a squeegee and a solution of vinegar and water can leave them sparkling. For the siding, a pressure washer can be highly effective, but be careful to use the right setting to avoid damage. Focus on areas that are prone to dirt and grime accumulation, like eaves and door frames. If you’re not comfortable using a pressure washer, a long-handled, soft-bristled brush with soapy water works well too.

Nothing says summer like the smell of a barbeque! Start by inspecting your barbeque. If it’s gas, check the gas lines and connections to ensure everything is secure and leak-free. For cleaning, remove the grates and soak them in a mixture of hot water and grease-cutting dish soap. Scrub off the residue with a barbeque brush or crumpled aluminium foil. Don’t forget to clean the burners and the inner parts of the barbeque. Finish by wiping down the exterior with a suitable cleaner and polish any stainless-steel surfaces.

Preparing your home for summer might seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort. A well-maintained outdoor space can become a haven for relaxation and entertainment during the warm months. By following these steps, you’ll not only enhance the appearance of your home but also create a comfortable and inviting environment to enjoy summer to its fullest.

Remember, the key to a summer-ready home is not just in the big gestures but also in the small details that make your space uniquely yours. So fire up the barbeque, find your perfect shady spot and get ready to enjoy the summer weather.

New Fire Safety Requirements

From 1^st November 2024, new homes and consented renovations will need to meet updated fire safety requirements outlined in the NZ Building Code Acceptable Solutions for Protection from Fire (C/AS1 and C/AS2). The transition to these standards began in November 2023, providing the construction industry time to adapt. These changes mandate the installation of interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, living space, and on every level of a home.

Interconnected smoke alarms are a significant upgrade from traditional stand-alone devices. They work by sending signals between alarms within a home, ensuring that if one smoke alarm detects a fire, all connected alarms will activate simultaneously. This creates an effective early warning system, improving safety for occupants by reducing response times in the event of a fire.

The new fire safety requirements align with NZS 4514:2021 – Interconnected Smoke Alarms for Houses, which allows for either hard-wired or wireless systems. These systems can be powered by 240v mains power with battery backup, or long-life sealed batteries (10 years) for wireless alarms.

Below is a summary of the updated standards for interconnected smoke alarms:

Compliance Standards: Smoke alarms must meet recognised standards such as BS EN 14604, AS3786, UL 217, CAN/ULC S531, or ISO 12239.
Photoelectric Technology: All alarms must use photoelectric sensors, which are better at detecting smoldering fires common in homes.
Placement:
- Alarms must be installed in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and landings.
- Multi-level homes must have at least one alarm on each level.
- Alarms must be placed on or near the ceiling for optimal detection.
Hush and Test Buttons: All alarms must include these features to temporarily silence the alarm or check functionality.
Interconnection:
- Where more than one alarm is required, they must be interconnected—wired or wireless—so that all alarms sound simultaneously when one is activated.
Kitchen-Specific Requirements:
- If kitchens or sculleries are separated from living spaces by doors, an alarm specified by its manufacturer as suitable for a kitchen must be installed in the kitchen. This may be a heat alarm to avoid false alarms.

For detailed guidance and technical specifications, refer to NZS 4514:2021 – Interconnected Smoke Alarms for Houses available through Standards New Zealand here.

These changes are a critical step forward in enhancing fire safety across New Zealand’s housing stock, ensuring better protection for residents and their families.

Performing Arts Precinct Progress – A Spotlight on the Court Theatre

One of the cornerstone projects in the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, the Performing Arts Precinct, is transforming a central city block bordered by Armagh, Gloucester, Colombo and New Regent Streets. This precinct promises to become a vibrant cultural hub, already home to the Isaac Theatre Royal and The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts.

At the heart of this development is the new home for The Court Theatre, a collaborative effort between the Christchurch City Council and The Court Theatre itself. Designed to deliver a world-class theatre experience, this state-of-the-art building, located at the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets, is on track to open in 2025.

The new theatre, a design partnership between Athfield Architects and UK-based architects Haworth Tompkins, is being constructed by Hawkins. This architectural marvel features two performance spaces:

The Stewart Family Theatre, a 377-seat auditorium with three levels of seating surrounding the stage. The seating design offers versatility, allowing for adjustments to stage positioning to suit diverse performance styles.
A smaller auditorium with a capacity of 120–150 seats, ideal for intimate performances such as children’s theatre and improvisation comedy.

In addition to the theatres, the facility includes a range of support spaces, such as a wardrobe and props workshop, rehearsal and administration areas, an education studio, and a set construction workshop. Visitors will also enjoy a front-of-house café and bar featuring The Court Theatre’s popular pizza oven, ensuring a welcoming experience.

Significant milestones in the construction have been achieved, with the main auditorium now fully enclosed and structural works complete. Over the coming months, the focus will shift to installing building services, completing balustrades, and refining interior finishes such as wall linings and painting.

To complement this stunning venue, the Council plans to refresh Colombo and Gloucester Streets with new paving and lighting, further enhancing the area’s appeal. While parking options for the new theatre include nearby on-street parking and central city car parks, efforts are underway to improve the quality of off-street parking facilities on Armagh Street, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

The first production in the new space is anticipated for the second quarter of 2025, a date eagerly awaited by the theatre community and audiences alike.

The new Court Theatre is more than just a performance venue, it’s a symbol of Christchurch’s ongoing recovery and commitment to fostering arts and culture. With cutting-edge design and facilities, it promises to elevate New Zealand’s theatre scene and become a cultural cornerstone in the heart of Christchurch.

Introducing Factory Road Industrial Park

SAM COWDY / Commercial Sales/Leasing Consultant

Cowdy proudly presents Factory Road Industrial Park, Christchurch’s latest and most significant industrial development. Strategically located in Belfast’s Northern Gateway, this 39-lot subdivision offers a rare opportunity to secure competitively priced freehold industrial land in a highly sought-after area.

Situated at 79 Factory Road, this 17-hectare master-planned industrial park boasts high visibility along the Northern Corridor motorway and seamless connectivity to major routes, including SH1 and SH74. With proposed future access to the Belfast Road on/off ramp, the site is only 16 minutes (11.6 km) from Christchurch International Airport and 17 minutes (12.6 km) from Christchurch’s CBD. Cycleways and excellent local transport links ensure accessibility for both heavy vehicles and personnel.

Factory Road Industrial Park has been meticulously designed to cater to owner-occupiers, investors, and design-build tenants, offering flexibility and value. Zoned Industrial General, these lots are ideal for logistics, trades, warehousing, manufacturing, and services.

Developed by Lisburn Limited, a subsidiary of The Wellington Company, Factory Road Industrial Park is backed by over $1 billion of delivered projects nationwide. Engineering, geotechnical, and planning services are provided by Davis Ogilvie, a leading Christchurch consultancy, and sales are exclusively managed by Bruce McPhail and Sam Cowdy.

Construction is advancing rapidly with roads now laid and titles expected in February 2025. A 10% deposit secures your lot, with settlements anticipated in Q1 2025. This timing aligns with a forecasted intensification in the surrounding area, making it a sound investment opportunity.

Industrial land within Christchurch City limits is in extremely short supply. Factory Road Industrial Park represents the largest and most competitively priced selection of lots currently available in the region. Whether you’re looking to invest, occupy, or lease, this development offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and flexibility.

Pricing starts at $365,000 + GST and lot sizes range from 1,000m² to 1.27 hectares, with options to combine lots for larger developments. Opportunities like this don’t last long. Secure your future at Factory Road Industrial Park and position your business in one of Christchurch’s most dynamic industrial hubs.

Contact Bruce McPhail on 027 430 4059 or Sam Cowdy on 021 365 605 today to learn more or arrange a site visit.

Ranui Apartments Open Their Doors

The long-awaited expansion of Rānui Apartments in Christchurch has finally come to fruition, marking a transformative milestone in providing essential accommodation for families seeking medical treatment in the South Island. The completed 43-apartment complex officially opened on the 25^th November, and will nearly triple the capacity of the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust’s offerings, increasing from 26 to 69 apartments. This expansion represents a heartfelt commitment to “keeping families together” and offering a much-needed “home away from home” for those facing life’s toughest challenges.

The demand for accommodation near Christchurch Hospital has been overwhelming. In 2023 alone, the Trust had to turn away 664 families due to a lack of space at Rānui House, its sister site. With the opening of Rānui Apartments, the Trust aims to ensure that no family in need is left without support. Located just 500 metres from Christchurch Hospital, the complex provides a sanctuary for patients and their families, offering one, two, and three bedroom fully self-contained apartments designed for comfort and convenience.

The Rānui Apartments project began in 2010 when the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust foresaw the growing need for additional family accommodation. Despite a challenging fundraising landscape, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust persevered. With generous support from private donors, charitable grants, and a $7 million contribution from the New Zealand Government’s Shovel Ready Project Initiative, the $18.3 million project became a reality. The completion of Rānui Apartments stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of funders and supporters, including the Otago Community Trust, Rata Foundation, Aoraki Trust, and many others.

Ranui Apartments render

Rānui Apartments offer a sanctuary of care, community and compassion. The apartments are designed to meet the needs of families staying for weeks or even months, creating an environment that feels like home. Each unit is fully furnished, and the on-site staff ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest. “When families can stay together, they heal faster, and their overall wellbeing improves,” noted Trust CEO Mandy Kennedy.

The success of Rānui Apartments is a reflection of the collective efforts of countless individuals and organisations. From the generosity of private donors to the expertise of Higgs Construction, which brought the vision to life, this project exemplifies the power of community. As the Trust continues its mission, Rānui Apartments will stand as a beacon of hope, ensuring that families facing medical crises have a safe, supportive place to call home.

As the first families settle into Rānui Apartments, the impact of this remarkable initiative is already being felt.

Carpet Cleaning with Advanced Carpet Cleaning

ADVANCED CARPET CLEANING

While we recommend getting professional stain treatments carried out to deal with stains, there are a few things you can do to minimise the potential damage.

Old stains are harder to remove so the sooner you can remove the spill and begin to deal with it the better. Start by scraping off any solid matter with the back of a small knife, scraping towards the centre of the spill, and without pushing solids or liquid further into the fibres. For a liquid spill blot liquid carefully to soak up as much as you can.

To dilute a wet (fresh) spill, get a jug of warm water and several towels. Gently pour some of the water over the entire spill, dab with a towel (never scrub or rub at carpet!), and then lay two folded towels over the wet area. Walk over the towels for a couple of minutes to draw the water and the spilt liquid up into the towel together. Replace with dry towels as necessary, and continue stepping on the area. Repeat with further small amounts of water and stepping until the spill is gone or until you’ve had enough! If the liquid is cat or dog urine (and it’s a fresh ‘deposit’), it’s especially important to keep up the diluting and stepping for several minutes, to reduce the likelihood of it becoming smelly and leaving a noticeable stain.

A tiny amount (a drop or two) of mild liquid laundry detergent can be added to a litre of warm water, but be careful. Too much product can leave another stubborn stain, or can be too difficult to flush out and the area will re-soil.

And remember – never scrub or rub at carpet to remove a spill or stain! It may permanently damage the fibres and always be visible. If you are worried about a stain on your carpet give us a call straight away and we’ll give you advice and then book a cleaning appointment.

How often should I get my carpets cleaned?

Carpet manufacturers recommend annual carpet cleaning for commercial environments and busy households, especially through the high-use areas. Regular professional carpet cleaning is a practical, common-sense way of maintaining your flooring investment. The longer that spills, marks and stains are left on the carpet or fabric, the greater the chance they will become permanent.

What is steam cleaning? Is it the same as hot water extraction?

Steam cleaning is essentially ‘hot water extraction’ but the water is heated to a higher temperature. The higher temperature gives improved removal of soils.

Does cleaning remove stains?

We cannot guarantee full removal of anything that is known to have the potential to cause permanent staining. This includes hair dye, tanning sprays or lotions, urine, some RTDs, paint, vivid marker, tea and coffee, orange juice, and stains containing food colouring. If we do attempt to remove these, we do not guarantee complete removal or satisfaction. Note that the colour present in pet vomit stains often permanently affects carpet and fabric.

Can spots re-appear after cleaning?

Yes. Spots can wick-up to the surface as the carpet dries. Some carpet types are more prone to this than others. This is not a result of our treatment but is also due to the nature of the stain (ie. cooking oil, blood, urine).

Can you remove pet hair from carpet?

Yes. Removal of pet hair (as much as practicable) from carpet and/or furniture is an extra step in the cleaning process and will increase the price due to the time it takes to patiently deal with it. Carpets and fabrics do not clean well if pet hair has not been removed.

Do pet urine stains come out with cleaning?

Pet urine is an issue of the carpet, underlay and subfloor. Cleaning the carpet’s surface often does not remove pet odours. We do not guarantee complete odour or stain removal results.

Making Your Move Stress Free

Moving house can often feel stressful, time-consuming, and daunting. However, with the right approach and a positive attitude, you can turn this challenge into a smooth transition. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new city, these tried-and-true tips will help make your move as stress-free as possible.

Plan Ahead and Stay Organised

Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Before you start packing, go through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This not only reduces the number of items you need to move but also helps you start fresh in your new home.
Create a Moving Folder
Keep all your important documents, such as new address information, rental or purchase papers, and moving contracts in a dedicated folder. A physical copy is handy to have just in case your digital devices run out of battery during the move.
Pack Early and Strategically
Start packing non-essential items well in advance. Seasonal clothes, books and decor can be packed early, reducing last-minute stress. Remember to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making unpacking much easier.
Book Services Early
If you’re hiring movers, renting a truck, or needing other services like cleaning or painting, book them as early as possible to secure your preferred date and avoid peak season price hikes.
Prepare for Utility Transfers
Schedule utility services for your new home ahead of your move-in date to ensure everything is set up upon your arrival. Simultaneously, arrange to stop services at your current residence on your move-out date.

Packing Tips for a Smooth Move

Use the Right Size Boxes
Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and lighter items like linens in larger ones. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to carry and reduces the risk of items breaking.
Optimise Suitcase Space
Use suitcases for packing heavier items, as their wheels make them easier to transport. Laundry baskets can also be utilised for soft items like clothes and linens.
Pack with Care
Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top. Fill any gaps with clothing or packing paper to prevent items from shifting during the move. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box for more efficient unpacking.
Special Care for Valuables and Fragile Items
If you have valuable art or fragile items, consider special packing techniques or professional crating services. For example, wrap paintings in paper or bubble wrap and place them in sturdy frame boxes.
Kitchen Packing Essentials
When packing dishes, wrap each one individually and bundle them together. Use plenty of padding and pack dishes vertically. Glasses should be wrapped and placed in boxes with dividers.

Final Preparations and Moving Day

Organise Your Essentials
Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few days in your new home, including clothes, toiletries, medications, and important documents. This ensures you have what you need without digging through boxes.
Final Home Preparations
A week before your move, confirm all arrangements with your moving company and ensure you’ve made any necessary changes to your moving plan. Defrost your refrigerator, fill any prescriptions and prepare your home for its new occupants.
Moving Day Tips
On the day of the move, consider laying rugs and placing floor and doorframe protectors throughout your home. If you’re using a moving company, provide movers with a layout of your new home and ensure all items are packed securely. Before leaving, do a final walkthrough to check that nothing is left behind and provide any necessary information for the new occupants.
Settling into Your New Home
Upon arrival, clean your new space before unpacking. Keep all receipts and documents in your moving folder for easy access. Finally, take a moment to relax and enjoy your new home!

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, staying organised, and following these tips, you can make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

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