New Zealand tightens steel mesh standard as commerce investigation continues

Steel mesh sold in New Zealand will have to meet higher standards from next year, the government said Tuesday, citing concerns over construction safety in the wake of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

"We're increasing the number of samples which need to be tested, clarifying how that testing is done and requiring testing be done by internationally accredited testing laboratories," Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith said in a statement.

The updated Verification Method and Acceptable Solution would apply to all steel mesh of Grade 500E being sold in New Zealand, whether made locally or imported.

The changes, to be implemented by May 30, were prompted by issues with the quality of a small amount of steel mesh, which the Commerce Commission trade regulator was investigating, said Smith.

"I want to ensure steel mesh used in new houses meets our standards. Ductility -- the capacity of mesh to keep its strength when stretched -- has been causing concern.

The rules were strengthened after the Christchurch earthquakes so steel mesh in all new homes had 10 percent ductility, to increase the resilience of floor slabs after a quake," Smith said.

The Commerce Commission has required two companies to show the results independent tests on its steel mesh products continues to make progress in its ongoing enquiries into steel mesh sold in New Zealand.

The requirement came after the commission launched a probe into allegedly false testing certificates and alleged misleading or unsubstantiated claims on the standard of the steel.

In early April, as part of an investigation into seismic steel mesh, the commission received results that showed a sample of product tested from one company failed to meet the required standard. Endit