Steel Structures Technical Forum
Description
Evolving Standards, Better Practice, Stronger Outcomes
Join us for an afternoon of technical insights and practical knowledge at the 2026 SCNZ Steel Structures Technical Forum.
Held in conjunction with the 2026 SCNZ Conference & Gala Awards Dinner, this premier industry event brings together engineers, fabricators, detailers and construction professionals to explore the latest developments shaping structural steel design and delivery in New Zealand.
Featuring leading experts from across the industry, the forum will provide practical guidance on evolving standards, durability, welding practice, construction-stage stability, research developments, and innovative approaches to steel design and fabrication.
Whether you are looking to stay current with changing requirements, improve project outcomes, or connect with others across the steel construction sector, this forum provides a valuable opportunity to learn, share and collaborate.
Who Should Attend:
The Technical Forum is open to all professionals with an interest in steel, construction and engineering. It will be particularly valuable for those involved in the design, detailing, fabrication, erection and delivery of structural steelwork, including:
Steel Constructors (Fabricators and Erectors)
Steel Detailers
Builders and Construction Contractors
Consulting Engineers
Project Managers
Steel Distributors and Suppliers
Educators and Trainers
Local Government and Regulatory Personnel
Why Attend:
Gain insights directly from leading steel industry experts
Understand key changes to standards affecting steel design and construction
Learn practical approaches to improving design, fabrication and erection outcomes
Discover current research and innovations shaping the future of steel construction
Connect with engineers, fabricators, detailers and other industry professionals
Programme
12:15 pm | Registration opens |
12:45 pm | Lunch and networking Join us early for a light lunch and informal networking before the forum begins. |
1:30 pm | Introduction Welcome and overview of the afternoon’s sessions. |
1:40 pm | What's Changing in NZS 3404? Material Requirements Explained |
2:20 pm | NZS 3404.3 – Durability of Steel Structures: Practical Guidance for Designers |
3:00 pm | Welding Standards Update 2026: What Engineers and Fabricators Need to Know |
3:40 pm | Afternoon Tea & Networking Break |
4:10 pm | Temporary Works in Steel Construction: Engineering for Stability During Erection |
5:00 pm | Research to Practice – Current HERA Structural Systems Research and What it Means for Practising Engineers |
5:40 pm | Standard Steel Connections – Update on Industry Developments |
6:10 pm | Closing Remarks |
6:20 pm | Forum Concludes |
6:30 pm | Welcome Drinks & Nibbles Unwind and connect with fellow attendees over refreshments. |
Please note: While every effort will be made to deliver the programme as advertised, the programme and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Early Bird Registrations: Close Friday 25th September
Lineup
Alistair Fussell
Consultant – SCNZ Former manager for SCNZ, Alistair has specialist knowledge in the design of steel structures and more than 35 years’ structural engineering experience, including 25 years working for various New Zealand consulting engineering practices. He is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng), and a member of both Engineering New Zealand (CMEngNZ) and the Standards Australia BD-023 Committee: Structural Steel.
Michail Karpenko
General Manager, Fab 4.0 & Welding Centre, and HERA / SFC Manager, HERA Certifications Ltd Dr Michail Karpenko is a Principal Welding Engineer at HERA with extensive experience in structural steel welding, fabrication, quality assurance and welding standards. He provides technical support to New Zealand’s structural steel industry and is actively involved in the development and application of standards including AS/NZS 1554 and AS/NZS 5131. A regular speaker at industry events, Michail is well known for delivering practical guidance on welding design, fabrication, inspection and emerging developments affecting the steel construction sector.
Kevin Cowie
Technical Director – SCNZ A chartered professional engineer (CPEng) and a member of Engineering New Zealand (CMEngNZ), Kevin has more than 15 years’ structural engineering experience. He has assisted New Zealand consultants in the preparation of many multilevel steel construction design options and contributed to countless structural steel design guides and industry guidance documents. Kevin has been involved in multiple steel-related standards committees and is currently chairing the proposed revision to NZS 3404.
Zahid Hamid
Structural Engineer – SCNZ Zahid is an experienced structural engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is skilled in AutoCAD, civil engineering, seismic analysis, foundation design and structural engineering. Zahid has a Master of Engineering (MEng) focused on Civil/Structural from the University of Auckland
Tom Watson
Principal – Robert Bird Group Tom is a Technical Director with Robert Bird Group and a Chartered Professional Engineer with extensive experience in the design and delivery of complex temporary works for major construction projects. His expertise spans temporary steel structures, construction engineering, heavy lifting, erection sequencing and structural stability during construction. Tom has worked on a wide range of landmark infrastructure and building projects across New Zealand and Australia, helping to develop practical, safe and efficient temporary works solutions that support successful project delivery.
Kaveh Andisheh
General Manager – Structural Systems, HERA Dr Kaveh Andisheh leads research, technical guidance and industry initiatives for HERA focused on structural steel and hybrid construction. A Chartered Professional Engineer with more than 22 years' international experience, Kaveh specialises in seismic engineering, structural resilience, durability, sustainability and standards development. He has played a leading role in advancing steel design guidance in New Zealand and is actively involved in research, education and the development of national and international standards.
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