Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business

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 co...

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 project...

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 an...

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.   Or...

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 empoweri...

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'...

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 developin...

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 t...

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 advoc...

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 governme...

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 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 highli...

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 fo...

Platinum Award is given to builders who have achieved outstanding building excellence and won five or more National Category titles. Urban Homes was established in 2004, delivering quality homes across Waikato, South Auckland, Coromandel and beyond. Daniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg started Urban from scratch, following a dream from the early days of their relationship. Daniel was a trade-qualified b...

Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some positive wins this year like the Constructive Forum and the relaunch of the Vertical Construction Leadership Group. It was also great that MBIE was prepared to listen to the concerns raised about the timing of introducing new insulation standards. The delay of the H1/AS1 code change has provided some much-needed breathing space.  David shared so...

This year Apprentice of the Year celebrates its 19th anniversary! Today we have two very special guests: Martin Goulden and David Mudge. Martin Goulden is a National judge and has been involved in the competition since its conception 19 years ago. David Mudge is a Practical Co-Ordinator, and he's been a part of the competition for 16 years. In this episode, they discuss with Ryan how the competiti...

For the first time, the survey explored both the supply and demand sides of construction. Over 1,200 sector participants and homeowners who had built or completed a significant renovation in the past three years responded to questions about their experience building, the economy, critical issues they were facing, and their outlook for the sector. It found while the sector continues to face signifi...

Paul was a teacher supporting students through the Gateway programme, which supports students to transition into employment. He opened the Wairarapa branch of A1 Homes in 2006.  His daughter's interest in the construction industry made him realised that he needs to do a better job to make apprenticeships accessible for everyone. He is a strong advocate for women in construction; he finds it humbli...

Imagine a building that has no two things the same. Not a single window the same, not a balustrade, not even a tile. Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is an amazing journey that took 30 years and what's been achieved by the construction team and the community of Whangārei is truly exceptional. Today Ryan and Darrell Trigg, owner of Trigg Construction, discuss this incredible p...

It continues to be a tough time for the building and construction sector. With such a myriad of issues currently impacting the sector, this month David Kelly explains that Master Builders have targeted their efforts on the plasterboard shortage and the H1/AS1 building code changes. They are also focused on supporting you with what you can do to navigate the current environment to come out stronger...

As a part of the Men's Health Week Ryan is talking to Mark Sainsbury, one of the country’s most experienced journalists and one of the directors and ambassadors for the Men's Health Week, about the importance of small steps to look after your physical and mental health. Men are at a disadvantage health wise from the start. A boy born today will live nearly four years less than a girl. When it come...

Blue Summit Construction won numerous House of the Year 2021 awards, including Gold Award and Regional Lifestyle Award on their first-time entering . What an achievement!  Today we’re talking with Miranda Knapton, Business Manager at Blue Summit Construction about their experience entering the House of the Year competition in their  first year of Master Builders membership. Their story is really i...

In this month's Chief's Chat Ryan talks to David Kelly, CEO of Master Builders, about the main challenges that the construction industry is facing such as product supply and inflation, and strategies to help us deal with them by keeping focus on what we can control.   David highlights that while the current inflation figure of 6.9% is being widely reported, the construction inflation is 18% to bui...

In this month's podcast episode, Ryan talks to Tony Simonsen, Chief Operating Officer at Payapps. Payapps is a cloud-based software for managing applications for payment up and down the supply chain, developed solely for the construction sector.    COO of Payapps, Tony Simonsen, sat down virtually with Ryan to discuss the importance of Payapps in the industry, and give real life examples on how Pa...

In this month's podcast episode, Ryan talks to Jason Hungerford, Director at BCITO, who has played a significant role in BCITO’s Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) transition. BCITO is the largest provider of construction trade apprenticeships in New Zealand. Recently, under the Government’s Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) the work BCITO does to arrange, support and assess work-based trai...