Registrations are still open for the 2026 NZCB Conference & Expo on 5-6 June!
Get ready for two days of insights, inspiration, and practical strategies to help you lead with confidence and make smarter business decisions in a changing market.
Hear from Gilbert Enoka, the man behind the All Blacks’ winning culture. Gilbert brings over 30 years of experience in mental performance, leadership, and team dynamics to help you build a stronger, more resilient business.
Plus, leading economist Shamubeel Eaqub will unpack complex trends into clear, practical insights you can use right now, giving you the clarity to plan ahead with confidence.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your business, your leadership, and your future.
Register now 👉 Link in bio.
📣 New Trustee Appointments: NZCB Apprentice Trust
After a nationwide search, we’re pleased to welcome two new Trustees to the NZCB Apprentice Trust - Louise Jordaan and James Woodford.
Louise is a respected leader in health, safety, and workplace wellbeing, known for her people-centred approach and focus on building safer, more inclusive environments. James is an experienced construction professional and Career Development Manager, with a strong track record in training, mentoring, and developing pathways that support apprentices and workforce capability.
Together, they bring a shared commitment to strengthening the construction sector and supporting the next generation of tradespeople.
The NZCB Apprentice Trust exists to help remove barriers for construction trainees - providing scholarships, financial assistance, and recognition to support apprentices through challenges and into successful careers.
With these appointments, the Trust now has its full complement of seven Trustees, each committed to making a meaningful impact.
We’re excited about what’s ahead as we continue building a stronger future for apprentices across the country.
Please join us in welcoming Louise and James to the Trust 👏
A huge thanks to everyone who visited us at the @nzhouseandgardentoursofficial hubs this year - we loved meeting so many of you! 🏡
Feeling inspired to create a home you truly love? Start by finding a builder who’s the right fit for you 👉 head to the link in our bio.
The countdown is on for the 2026 NZCB Conference & Expo 🔨
Join us on 5-6 June for two days packed with practical insights, fresh ideas, and the chance to connect with builders from across the country. From hands-on Learning Labs to panel discussions and deep-dive sessions, the programme is designed to support you in navigating today’s industry challenges.
Hear from leading voices, gain LBP points, explore the Expo, and follow the Apprentice Challenge finalists as they compete.
The weekend wraps up with the NZCB Awards & Gala Dinner, where the 2026 Apprentice Challenge winner will be announced 🏆
View the full programme and register now 👉 Link in bio.
We’re still buzzing from the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge – and what better way to relive it than with highlights from the Auckland Regional Heat 🔨
Huge congratulations to all winners and finalists across the Regional Heats. The finals at the NZCB Conference (5-6 June, Auckland) will decide who takes home the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and the $10,000 prize pack. Bring it on! 💪
Check out the link in our bio to see photos from each Regional Heat.
2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge - Regional Heats Recap! 🔨
Over the weekend, more than 100 apprentices across New Zealand gave it their all in the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge, proudly run in partnership with @bcito and @mitre10nz .
Each apprentice had just 8 hours to build a sharing cupboard using detailed plans, all while showcasing their carpentry skills under pressure. The best part? Each cupboard will be donated to their local community.
Regional winners took home a $1,000 @makitanewzealand prize pack and will head to Auckland in June to compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy, along with a $10,000 prize pack, at the National Final during the NZCB Conference & Expo.
A huge congratulations to everyone who competed - you’ve done your regions proud! 👏
Swipe through to catch some of the action from the Regional Heats, with plenty more photos still to come.
For the full list of winners, check out the link in our bio 🔗
And a massive thank you to our sponsors for making the Apprentice Challenge possible!
Tomorrow’s the big day 🔨
The 2026 Apprentice Challenge kicks off across New Zealand! Apprentices will go head-to-head in an epic 8-hour build, creating a project to give back to their communities.
Come down from 8am to support the next generation of tradies. Prizegiving will be from 5pm.
Thanks to @makitanewzealand , up for grabs at the Regional Heats:
🥇 40Vmax XGT Blower Kit + smoko seat + cap
🥈 Bluetooth Speaker + Impact Bit Set + smoko seat + cap
🥉 98pc Bit & Hand Toolset + smoko seat + cap
Top apprentices will also qualify for the National Final in Auckland (5-6 June), with $10K in prizes and serious bragging rights on the line.
Big thanks to @bcito and @mitre10nz for helping make it happen 🙌
Want to be a part of it? Check out the link in our bio to find your nearest Regional Heat location.
Rain or shine, it’s game on! Some venues have changed, so check the website for the latest details before heading along.
The 2026 NZCB Conference & Expo is almost here! 🔨
Join us on 5-6 June for two days of learning, discussion, and connection with builders from across the country. The programme features interactive Learning Labs, member panels, and deep-dive sessions covering topics like emerging technology, business operations, and industry challenges.
You’ll also hear from keynote speakers Gilbert Enoka and Shamubeel Eaqub, earn LBP points through session attendance, explore the Expo floor, and follow the journey of the Apprentice Challenge finalists.
The weekend wraps up with the NZCB Awards & Gala Dinner, where the 2026 Apprentice Challenge winner will be announced.
Check out the programme and secure your spot 👉 Link in bio.
📣 Shoutout to all the apprentices who entered the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge!
On 18 April, apprentices from across the country will go head-to-head, with 8 hours to build this year’s project (a community sharing cupboard).
Plans and tool lists go out beforehand, but on the day it’s all about skill, precision, and working under pressure.
Big thanks to our sponsors @bcito and @mitre10nz for their support and @makitanewzealand for suppling prizes for the regional events.
Regional Heats are happening all over NZ, and they’re open to the public, so come down and support the next generation of builders.
Find the event closest to you 👉 Link in bio.
Welcome to the team, @accnewzealand - our newest National Partner!
ACC is committed to supporting NZCB members with practical education, advice, and support that helps prevent injuries, build safer workplaces, and ensure everyone gets home to their whānau safe and injury free.
They’re also focused on helping construction leaders support their teams to recover at work following an injury - because keeping good people in the industry matters.
We’re proud to partner with ACC to strengthen health, safety, and wellbeing across our network.
🔗 Link to our partners in bio.
Build strong foundations – on and off the worksite 🏗️
The latest issue of InHouse, our quarterly magazine, is out now. This edition focuses on why supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of your team is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry - from prevention through to practical support on and off the tools.
Inside this issue you’ll find insights from our Chief Executive, updates on NZCB events and initiatives, the latest industry news, and new features for the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee. We also share practical business advice, along with development and growth opportunities for members.
Bonus: NZCB members can earn 1 LBP point just for reading.
Take a few minutes to check out the latest issue and stay up to date with what’s happening across the industry 👉 Link in bio.
Meet @joshuawelsh_woodwork , our 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge National Winner and current NZCB Whangārei Regional President.
Josh has always been passionate about building, especially the creative, hands-on aspects of the trade. After working in the trade department at Mitre 10 MEGA and building strong connections with local tradies, the idea of getting on the tools became more and more appealing.
He reached out to his network, secured an apprenticeship, and went on to compete in the 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge, taking out both the regional and national titles. Today, Josh proudly serves as NZCB’s Whangārei Regional President, a role that has helped him grow even further as a builder and businessperson, while building invaluable connections with fellow members.
For apprentices considering entering, Josh’s advice is simple: ask as many questions as possible.
“Building isn’t all the same - you’ll learn and adapt to develop your own style. I learnt from some great chippies over the years, and my style has been shaped by a range of different skill sets I’ve taken inspiration from. And don’t be afraid of the deep end. Some of the best work and best learning comes from being thrown in. Just breathe, think, and plan before you act.”
Think you’ve got what it takes to go all the way? Enter the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge, delivered in partnership with @bcito and @mitre10nz .
Entries close 16 March 2026 👉 Link in bio.
