In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Litten, General Manager of Research at BRANZ, to unpack the recent changes to Clause H1 of New Zealand’s Building Code. Dr. Litten dives into the new energy efficiency standards, detailing updates in insulation, thermal performance, and ventilation requirements, and the practical challenges these pose for builders. We explore how BRANZ is supporting the industry through this transition, including resources like the House...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Ankit Khandwala to discuss key takeaways from Constructive 2024, focusing on the current state and future of New Zealand’s construction sector. Ankit shares insights on the challenges the industry faces, including economic pressures, pipeline issues, and interest rates, but emphasizes the sector's long-term positive outlook driven by housing and infrastructure demand. The conversation explores critical topics such as the...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Ankit Khandwala to discuss key takeaways from Constructive 2024, focusing on the current state and future of New Zealand’s construction sector. Ankit shares insights on the challenges the industry faces, including economic pressures, pipeline issues, and interest rates, but emphasizes the sector's long-term positive outlook driven by housing and infrastructure demand. The conversation explores critical topics such as the...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, we're joined by Arwen Dickinson, Head of Delivery at Unispace, to explore the award-winning Arup office fit-out in Auckland. Aimed at achieving the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification, this project stands as one of New Zealand’s most sustainable commercial interiors. Arwen shares insights into the sustainability achievements, including an impressive 99% waste diversion from landfills and the use of locally sourced, non-toxic materials. We...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Alan Farragher, founder of Diamond Workwear and a Canterbury-based Construction Site Manager, to discuss mental health in the construction industry. Alan shares his journey, which began with a deep personal tragedy and then led to a profound reassessment of his work-life balance and mental health after becoming a father. Alan highlights the importance of making mental health conversations more accessible and less stigmatised on...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Alan Adcock, General Manager / CFO of the Whangarei District Council, and Edward Wotherspoon, Manager of the Business Support Department, to discuss the Whangārei Civic Centre Project, Te Iwitahi. Alan Adcock, with over 35 years of experience, shares insights into the strategic planning and sustainable practices behind Northland’s greenest commercial building. Edward Wotherspoon highlights the project's significant boost to...

In this episode of the Chief's Chat, we welcome Ankit Sharma, the new CEO of Master Builders NZ, bringing over 20 years of industry experience in corporate governance, strategy, and business transformation.  Ankit shares his excitement about exploring collaborative leadership. He highlights the importance of fostering strong partnerships with members, staff, and external stakeholders to drive growth and innovation within the construction industry. Ankit is dedicated to positioning Master...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Dr Lauren Donnan and James Sendall from MATES in Construction to discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Dr Donnan shares how MATES' research-driven approach addresses high suicide rates by providing targeted support and training, emphasising the importance of worker voices in shaping their programmes. James Sendall, an experienced field officer, outlines the structure of MATES' training...

Join us for a discussion where we explore the future of vocational education in New Zealand's construction sector – the dynamic collaboration between Registered Master Builders New Zealand and Builders Academy New Zealand. This partnership is hoping to elevate vocational education by enhancing workforce skills and accessibility for aspiring carpentry apprentices. In this episode, Ryan Castle sits down for a chat with Builders Academy's General Manager, Glenn Duncan, to delve into the...

With the Apprentice of the Year entries now open for 2024, Ryan Castle talks toJessica Nielsen, the Waikato 2023 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year. Jess made history as the first woman to reach the final and placed third in the national competition. Despite being the first female finalist, Jessica isn't bothered by the male dominance in the building industry: "I'm just here to do my job." During the conversation, Jess shares her motivations to pursue a career in construction...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, David Kelly bids farewell to his nine-year tenure as the chief executive of Master Builders. David reflects on his time at Master Builders, highlighting significant changes within the organisation, such as transitioning from a federated model to one association. David and Ryan discuss the importance of building relationships externally, advocating for the construction sector's interests with government officials, and addressing challenges like fiscal...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Ryan Castle talks with architect Natasha Markham and builder Ross Faulkner. Natasha Markham is a registered architect, urban designer, and founder of MAUD (Markham Architecture + Urban Design). The Auckland-based practice is a boutique studio specialising in well-crafted residential and commercial architecture and offers urban design services to projects at all scales. Ross Faulkner is the Director of Faulkner Construction, a family-owned and...

This Chief's Chat episode, features Ryan and David discussing the current state of the construction industry, the impact of the election, and the results of the Sector Survey. David highlights the need for quality housing, improved procurement practices, and changes in government regulation. They also talk about "Boom-Bust" cycle and how the Government could lessen its impact on both commercial and residential construction. David also addresses the issue of cautious banks affecting the...

In this episode, Ryan is talking to Cian Brennan, the founder of Quantum Contract Solutions. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of construction contracts, the stuff that makes or breaks a project. Cian Brennan is a seasoned expert in the field of contract interpretation, he specialises in how to navigate these contract mazes, find the clauses that really matter, and avoid financial disasters.   Originally from Ireland, Cian shares his story of why he got involved in construction. His granddad...

In this episode we are celebrating the remarkable women who are shaping the construction with our special guest, Rebecca Hodges, the Design Manager at Summerset and the current president of National Association of Women in Construction. In this podcast, we not only explore Rebecca's fascinating journey, from her unexpected entry into construction but also delve into the broader mission of empowering women in construction.     NAWIC sheds light on the inspiring stories of the NAWIC Excellence...

In this episode Ryan Castle interviews Nigel Benton, a Master Builder since 1996 and Vice President of Auckland Master Builders. Nigel passionately promotes recycling and eco-friendly practices in construction.    Nigel's standout project diverted over 90% of waste from landfills through meticulous planning, recycled materials, and stringent waste management. This success underscores construction's potential for greener practices. Today, we discuss waste reduction, sustainability challenges,...

In this episode of the Elevate Master Builders podcast, host Ryan Castle interviews Wayne Zheng, owner of Chancellor Construction. Wayne shares his journey from a career in finance to starting his own construction company in New Zealand. He discusses the challenges he faced as an immigrant and the importance of building a positive company culture. Wayne emphasises the value of hiring and developing young talent, and shares his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also discusses the...

This Chief's Chat episode, features Ryan and David discussing the upcoming New Zealand election and the Master Builders' efforts to work with political parties to address issues affecting the construction industry. The conversation focuses on key themes such as the boom-bust cycle, workforce capability, productivity, and climate change. The Master Builders Association is seeking consistency over time in government policies to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the ongoing...

Trigger warning: this episode discusses themes of depression, self-harm and suicide, which may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. If at any point you find this overwhelming, please stop listening. If you feel like you are in immediate danger, please call 111. In this Elevate Podcast episode, host Ryan Castle interviews Glen Thurston, builder for Dunlop Builders and mental health advocate, about his personal journey with mental health and his Turn the Corner campaign to raise...

In this Chief's Chat episode, Ryan and David discuss Masters Builders' advocacy focus for the year. They talk about some good progress is being made in changes to building consent as well as the concerns Master Builders has raised regarding the RMA reform. David also shares that a key focus for on the build up to the election. Master Builders has identified six critical policy areas where government and the sector can work better together to lift the sector’s productivity and performance and...

As a part of the "Celebrating Our Members" campaign, Ryan is talking to Nick Lane, Director of Iconic Construction Ltd. This year the company completed a fascinating project: the first 3D printed commercial building in the Southern hemisphere! Ryan and Nick discuss what it's like to work with cutting-edge technology, what kind of challenges they faced in the process and the benefits of innovation in construction. Originally from Wellington, Nick has been in the building for 20 years. He...

In this Chief's Chat episode, Ryan and David discuss the aftermath of the recent weather events and how they will affect the sector. They also look into the economic outlook, material price inflation and what we can do to be prepared. David also shares advocacy aspirations for the year to come, particularly the changes necessary in the Resource Management Act reform. Finally, David and Ryan highlight that while the year ahead may include some challenges, we are a resilient sector. Now is the...

The 2023 Apprentice of the Year in partnership with CARTERS entries are opening on the 9th of March. In today’s episode Ryan talks to Glenn Duncan, Group Manager Customer Experience, BCITO,  about the importance of celebrating apprentices and the companies that are supporting them. They also discuss the changes in education that comes with BCITO becoming a part of Te Pūkenga and what that means for both the apprentices and employers. Glenn shares some amazing stories of apprentices achieving...

In this episode, Ryan talks to Daniel Klinkenberg, the founder of Urban Homes, and its General Manager, Andrew South. They talk about their experience winning the Platinum Award at the National House of the Year 2022, and what advice they would give others. Their story is truly inspiring and offers some great learning for other builders.