Poor passive fire protection: a ticking fire-bomb

Dunedin start-up Contego Systems is changing the way in which Passive Fire Protection systems are designed and installed in New Zealand’s buildings.

Founded in 2016, and led by Justin McEntyre (pictured), Contego has already established itself nationally as an expert within the Passive Fire Protection industry. The start-up has hit the ground running successfully winning contracts with clients including Mercy Hospital, Cook Brothers, University Of Otago, Otago Museum, Otago Polytechnic, Leighs Construction, Presbyterian Support Otago, Arrow International, Naylor Love, Warren and Mahoney, Beca Fire Engineer and SDHB and the CDHB.

It now has a permanent team in Queenstown/ Central Otago providing the same service.

“The significant legacy issues with Passive Fire protection in New Zealand buildings have been well publicised in recent years. Contego has set about solving & rectifying these issues. Rather than standing back talking about how bad the situation is we are focused on ensuring that buildings are brought up to a compliant & safe standard & that new construction projects moving forward are completed to a much higher standard,” said McEntyre.

McEntyre previously worked as a quantity surveyor & project manager responsible for project management of multiple landmark South Island construction projects. While working as a main contractor he identified a requirement for improved passive fire protection planning, expertise and implementation within the construction industry and developed the business concept for Contego.

The Insurance Council hosted a seminar to discuss passive Fire issues in August 2018. It has been reported that insurers are said to be considering increased policy premiums, the introduction of policy exclusions and even withdrawing cover for non-compliant buildings.

“Contego looks to work with building owners, councils, contractors, consultants & insurers to provide a high level of expertise & knowledge in our field & seeks to put NZ construction on the right track with regard to Passive Fire Protection, ” said McEntyre.

Contego has defined it’s mission to raise the standard of passive fire protection and become the industries benchmark contractor within New Zealand.

Fire Safety involves both ‘Active’ Fire protection & ‘Passive’ Fire protection in order to protect lives and property. Passive fire protection involves constructing fire cells within buildings to prevent fire & smoke spreading.

Contego’s services include passive fire protection design, budgeting, audits, retrospective fitting, specification, product distribution, training, quality assurance, documentation development, maintenance, building WOF and acoustics. 

The company was recently announced as a finalist in the Westpac Otago Business Awards for the Emerging business award. The winners of the Westpac Otago Business Awards will be announced at a gala dinner to be held on November 30 at the Dunedin Town Hall.