Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business

Ryan sits down with Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma to unpack the government's $7 billion capital package and what it will actually take to turn that intention into real pipeline for the industry. They also dig into what Master Builders is hearing directly from members through its regional summit series, where over a thousand business leaders gathered this year, including the mindset gap between...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Andrew Eagles, CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council, joins the conversation to unpack how healthier, more energy-efficient homes can create major financial advantages for both developers and homeowners. From lower-interest development finance to green mortgage offers, Andrew explains how Homestar certification is helping builders access funding bene...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Mark Metzger, Director of Metzger Builders, joins the conversation to share a behind-the-scenes look at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. With more than 35 years in the industry and multiple Supreme House of the Year titles to his name, Mark brings a unique perspective as both an award-winning builder and national judge. Mark unpacks h...

In this special Women’s Month episode of the Elevate Podcast, Kirsty Hopewell, President of NAWIC New Zealand and Senior Quantity Surveyor at Naylor Love, joins the conversation to reflect on 30 years of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the powerful “30 Stories for 30 Years” campaign. Kirsty shares her own journey into construction, what drew her to the industry, and h...

In the first Elevate episode of 2026, Ryan sits down with Ankit Sharma to talk about the mood shift they’re both sensing in the sector: confidence is lifting, but the workload hasn’t caught up yet. Ankit’s message is clear. Don’t wait for the upturn. Get proactive. Build your brand, sharpen your value proposition, strengthen your pipeline, and reconnect with past prospects so you’re ready when dem...

In this final Elevate episode of the year, Ankit Sharma reflects on a tough but important year of transition for New Zealand’s construction sector. He explains the shift to proportionate liability, the push to clamp down on Phoenix companies, and how initiatives like FiNZscore aim to reward well-run building businesses with stronger credibility, better lending options, and improved consumer trust....

Chartered town planner and urban designer George Weeks joins Elevate to unpack what “good density” actually looks like here in Aotearoa, and why the 5-minute pint test might be the simplest measure of liveability we’ve ever heard. George shares why density only works when you make the daily stuff easy: milk, a beer, a café, a park, within a short stroll from your front door. We dig into what NZ’s...

Jodine McIntyre, founder of Social Smarty, joins Elevate to show construction owners how to run social in-house without drowning in it. She shares why training your team can beat outsourcing for authenticity, how to set solid foundations before you post, and the simple planning rhythm that keeps content consistent and effective. We cover the four post types that drive results: Expert , Connection...

In this Chief’s Chat, Ankit Sharma outlines key reforms transforming the construction sector, from streamlining consents and easing liability rules to opening pathways for overseas building products. These changes are designed to cut delays, reduce costs, and boost supply chain resilience, while protecting homeowners and lifting industry standards. He also shares insights on the sector’s recovery,...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dylan Bull and Alex Hawthorne from Levela Deconstruction—two founders challenging the status quo of demolition in New Zealand. Instead of sending building waste straight to landfill, they’ve built a business focused on carefully dismantling structures to salvage and reuse materials. From timber and steel to joinery and fixtures, they’re proving that deconstruction...

Katherine Hall, CEO of ConCOVE, joins the Master Builders Elevate podcast to talk about the future of trades in New Zealand and why now is the time to invest in it. She shares the trends reshaping vocational training, including why most construction apprentices don’t start until 27, and what we need to do to better support them: from smarter pathways and stronger employer-apprentice support, to re...

In this Chief’s Chat, Ankit Sharma shares an update on the building and construction sector’s outlook for 2025. Signs of slow, steady recovery are emerging, led by improving economic indicators and easing construction costs. Regional economies are driving this rebound, with momentum expected to flow into major urban centres over the next 12 to 18 months. Ankit also highlights Master Builders’ regi...

Wedgwood from Advisory Works about the habits and strategies that help construction leaders thrive. Logan shares how structured routines, family time, and tools help build mental wealth, and why discipline matters more than motivation. He also breaks down what strong business health and effective sales look like in today’s climate: being coachable, calling issues out clearly, and treating sales as...

In this episode of the MB Elevate Podcast, Rafael Caso from Live Well, Build Well joins Ryan Castle to share a fresh, practical take on mental fitness in construction. Rafael’s journey from site manager to wellbeing advocate has led to a nationwide movement focused on prevention, not crisis response. He introduces five simple foundations for mental fitness: sleep, intention, energy, switching off,...

In this episode of the MB Elevate Podcast , Ankit Sharma joins the Chief’s Chat to discuss key industry insights and Master Builders NZ’s initiatives for 2025. With stabilising housing prices, lower building cost inflation, and expected interest rate reductions, optimism is returning to the sector. The conversation explores the growing shift towards multi-unit home developments, driven by affordab...

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast , Wendy and Bernard Hilhorst share the story behind their award-winning restoration of a historic 1920s Arts and Crafts-style home in Cambridge. Collaborating with G.D. Pringle Building, they undertook a stunning transformation that modernized the home while preserving its original charm. The renovation featured updates like retrofitted double glazing, recycl...

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 BR...

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 b...

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 impres...

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 highlig...

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 gr...

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 grow...

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 programm...

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...

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 m...