HERA expanded its leadership in low carbon and circular design, as well as Industry 4.0 research. Key projects included the AI-based monitoring system with the ACM CRC and a low carbon design project supported by BRANZ. HERA also advanced seismic resilience efforts through a significant AUT-led project, while celebrating the success of the “Stirring the Pot” podcast, which hit 10,000 downloads and 100 episodes.

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HERA had its most successful year to date. Key achievements included launching the zero carbon steel program, securing a $10.3 million Endeavour Fund for Construction 4.0 research, joining the $260 million SoMAC CRC and strengthened design support with new tools. Recognition included finalist status in the 2022 Asia Pacific SABRE Awards and approval for a 6-star green Innovation Centre build.

HERA achieved its best financial year, driven by strong demand despite Covid-19 challenges. We advanced Industry 4.0 initiatives, and focused on sustainability with projects like the material passport and zero carbon steel being developed, highlighting steel’s role in the circular economy.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, HERA successfully launched the Future Forum 20/20 VISION conference, emphasising innovation for industry success. The Pūtātara digital content room and Fab4.0Lab were created. HERA also achieved zero carbon certification.

Matthew Kidson becomes Chair. Key initiatives include launching welding productivity assessments, and joining the Diversity Agenda. HERA also debuts the ‘Stirring the Pot’ podcast and revitalises the Sustainable Steel Council to engage in the zero emissions conversation.

Dr Troy Coyle became HERA’s first female CEO, marking a new era. Celebrating 40 years, HERA enhances R&D transparency with a new panel projects process and also launches the Innovation READY program, digital library, new website, and assesses economic impact using Treasury’s Living Standards framework.

Mike Lehan became Chair in a booming steel construction sector. Our AGGAT program comes to an end due to a lack of funding, but SFC continues to grow. Fair and free trade a core advocacy focus and after 31 years of service, Dr Wolfgang Scholz retires as Director. A new strategy, “HERA 2020 Vision,” is introduced to align with industry needs, focusing on future challenges and opportunities.

John Frear became Chair. The first join Australian New Zealand Standard 5100.6 and Draft AS/NZS 5131 Fabrication and Erection of Steel released for public comment. Over 60 qualifications are issued and 21 members are certified under SFC representing 75% of NZ capacity.

Minister for Science and Innovation Hon Steven Joyce reopens the newly refurbished HERA House. HERA celebrates the success of the Structural Steel Industry Strategy, driving growth and innovation within the sector and the first Metals NZ ‘Metals Week’ held in Auckland.

Renovations on HERA House began, and significant progress was made with the launch of the Steel Fabricator Certification Scheme in cooperation with SCNZ, awarding 23 Welding Supervisor and 22 Welding Inspector qualifications.

HERA saw an increase in the Heavy Engineering Research Levy and expanded its international welding qualifications. Joint standards development a key focus and a partnership with BERL for whole of life costing and balanced decision making.

Industry growth resumed post-GFC, with HERA securing government co-funding for geothermal energy research. The Structural Systems team launch HERAVerified and AS/NZS 1556.6 is revised and published through the Welding team.

HERA established the Sustainable Steel Council and launched Metals NZ by Economic Development Minister David Carter amidst financial pressures.

Peter Hutton became Chair amidst heavy steel volume drops. HERA focused on understanding the effects of free trade agreements, launched a new website, and requested a levy adjustment.

The GFC severely impacted the industry, leading to a decline in membership and the formation of a new industry strategy. Industry advocacy role becomes a focus.

HERA welcomed a new Industry Development division and secured a patent for an interlocking composite panel system. We achieved private training establishment status under NZQA and we record 667 members.

David Moore took over as Chair, and strategic changes included the separation of SCNZ to take over the steel construction market development with HERA committed to a heavy engineering industry development focus.

HERA was accredited as an IIW Authorised Training Body, and the Metals Institute of New Zealand proposal was launched. In collaboration with Auckland University of Technology our first metal forming activity is established.

The discontinuation of CBIP examination services and the transformation of SCI-NZ to Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) marked the year.

HERA secured a $6 million R&D grant over six years to establish a new export focused manufacturing sector around steel based composite structural assemblies and established the Steel Bridge Development Group, while heavy steel usage peaked.

Noel Davies became Chair, and HERA increased the welding levy, formally integrating SCI-NZ as a division.

The first New Zealand Metals Industry Conference was held, and HERA formed the Inspection & Quality Control Centre division. We also promote the Code of Practice for Structural Steel Work documentation.

HERA introduced a five-year strategic plan, launched an online connection guide, and updated its branding with the tagline “Innovation in Metals.” Graeme Ridley is also appointed Chair.

A new era began under Dr. Wolfgang Scholz’s directorship, with advances in seismic steel construction with the sliding hinge joint, and a new HERA logo launched. Membership reaches 531 companies.

HERA published the Structural Steel Work Connections Guide R4-100 and expanded into Finite Element Analysis. New Zealand Stainless Steel Development Association (NZSSDA) also established.

HERA hit a training record with a wide-reaching seminar program and released a structural steelwork estimating guide R4-96 and Duncan Fraser takes over as Chair.

HERA’s Welding Centre celebrated its ten-year anniversary, expanding into metallurgy consulting and initiating a significant steel research project and membership grows to 511 companies.

The biggest welding convention in Aotearoa New Zealand was held in collaboration with the IIW, and the introduction of metallurgical expertise into HERA’s offerings occurred with Dr John Meikle appointed Director.

David Band becomes Chair and the introduction of welding training modules and a comeback in steel volume signaled a year of growth and success with membership hitting 400 companies.

HERA started the Steel Analysis Service (SSAS) supported by BHP NZ Steel and released the PROWELD welding expert system to its members.

HERA contributed to Aotearoa New Zealand’s new Building Control System and launched a successful seminar series on Limit States Design.

The Heavy Engineering Education Research Foundation (HEERF) was established, and HERA’s membership expanded to include designers and consultants with 241 members recorded.

HERA successfully conducted a trade mission to Australia and began drafting the Limit States Steel Structures Code. Peter White-Robinson becomes Chair, and ties are established with Australian Structural Steel Welding Committee for joint standards.

The Welding Centre developed a Modular Training Scheme, which becomes widely used in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Major achievements included the publication of the first design guide and guidelines for safe erection of steel structures, establishing HERA as a central figure in national design codes. Bill Fraser becomes Chair.

HERA navigated changes in government research funding and saw the second term appointment of Keith Smith as Chair. Tarif drops see steel construction become more competitive.

The share market crash impacted the construction industry, but HERA continued to grow, establishing the Welding Centre and forming Force Five for offshore market research with Dr W. Lew Richards as Director.

HERA hosted the First Pacific Structural Steel Conference, boosting steel fabrication work in the region. David Jones becomes Chair and our Welding Centre Panel and first manager Dr Wolfgang Scholz starts.

Cyril Baker becomes Chair and construction began on HERA House, marking a significant milestone, with the facility later inaugurated by the Minister of Science and Technology.

The steel levy increased to $5 per tonne, and seismic steel construction research began, driven by Japanese connection with Professor Kato and Takanishiexpertise.

The Certification Board for Inspection Personnel (CBIP) was co-founded, and the first research fellow was appointed at the University of Canterbury. First heavy engineering industry development conference run.

The Steel Design Award promoted steel use among architects, and the HERA Information Centre’s resources expanded significantly.

HERA’s membership grew to 99 companies, the Steel Design Award was launched, and a connection with the International Institute of Welding was established.

The formation of essential HERA structures like the Information Centre and Structural Engineering Panel occur. The first public seminar on structural steel design was sponsored, and Gavin Fletcher becomes Director.

HERA’s foundational year saw the appointment of Dr. Robin Shepperd as the first Director, the publication of its first report, and the registration of 34 founding members.

HERA is born under the Heavy Engineering Research Levy Act with Keith Smith as the founding Chair, marking the beginning of industry support for heavy engineering research in Aotearoa New Zealand.