Celebrating 25 years!

Started by a handful of passionate trade-qualified builders back in 1998, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) has seen significant changes over the years and has grown into a modern, innovative, well-respected, industry-leading, professional association. A BIG thank you to our members, past and present. It’s your hard work, support, and loyalty that has made this journey possible – you’ve helped shape us into the association we are today!

“Since our first idea of starting a building trade organisation that recognises trade qualifications, I cannot believe how NZCB has developed and grown, certainly way beyond what I expected at the time. Happy Birthday to the Association and I hope the next 25 years will be as successful as the first 25 years.

Established 1998

Around 25 years ago, Craig Wilkinson, NZCB Founder (pictured above) was like many young builders; trade-qualified and working hard to grow his business. But he hit a brick wall.

After serving his 8,000-hour apprenticeship in Whangārei and working for seven years on mostly labour-only contracts, he decided to move to Mount Maunganui to break into full contract services.

The going was tough. He tried to join the Master Builders Federation (now Registered Master Builders) for support and a higher profile. His application was declined, and that rejection was the seed that grew into the New Zealand Certified Builders Association we know today.

But first? Craig decided to promote his qualifications by having a sticker made for his vehicle. He was amazed at the interest it attracted; several builders asked how they could join the organisation and Craig had to confess there wasn’t one – yet.

Inspired, Craig placed an advert in a local Tauranga newspaper.

The result was instant. Craig received 15 calls from qualified builders in similar circumstances to himself. Lifted by the interest, a meeting was called. Fifteen people attended and a steering group of three was formed to investigate forming a formal association. The steering committee was Craig, Craig Williams, and Garry Shuttleworth.

Craig was excited by the interest and the possibilities of establishing a trade organisation for both qualified builders and the public. He believed people had a right to expect that the builder they employed was qualified.

The trio came up with a number of ideas on how the association could develop, what it should be called, and who it should target. Then, it was time for the first meeting.

On February 23, 1998, 15 people signed the constitution and the Association was born.

Garry Shuttleworth became the first President but shortly afterward, Craig Wilkinson took over the National Presidency so Garry could assume a more managerial role as Chief Executive Officer.

While trying to establish who the association should represent, it emerged that among the approximately 14,000 builders in New Zealand, there were varying levels of qualification and skill. Master Builders represented about 17% of builders (approximately 1,500) leaving 12,000 with no representation. It was estimated half these builders (6,000) were qualified –a clear target market for the Association. Twenty-five years on, NZCB has 2,900+ members and continues to grow. A lot of effort was put into ‘getting the recipe right’ at the start and this dedication and hard work continues. NZCB now offers its members and the public many benefits, including the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee.

Membership growth 1998 147 2004 1,000+ 2018 2,500+ 2023 2,900+

Our key point of difference

We are still the only association where all members must hold a recognised trade qualification equivalent to or better than National Trade Certificate in Carpentry Level 4.

Builder education

The late Ken Read travelled around New Zealand recruiting new members, partners, and bringing trade training and presenters to all 22 NZCB regions. Today, we deliver a mixture of events; online, and in-person as well as regular email newsletters. Three dedicated Territory Managers, a Marketing and Services Manager and an Education and Training Manager make these happen.

1998

We’ve revived our brand over the years to stay true to our foundations and relevant to our members and their clients.

Our National Support Office

In 1998 the Association launched with four staff, increasing to eight in 2004, and today there are 18 dedicated staff providing a broad spectrum of services to our members.

Certified Plans 2014

A powerful sales tool that helps secure new clients and home-building projects for our members. Includes 32 architecturally designed plans that cater for a range of housing needs and can be built nationwide.

NZCB in print

InHouse Magazine 1998

The first “The BUILDERS Post” was an A4, double-sided, black-and-white newsletter.

2000

Renamed to InHouse and grew to 16 pages printed in colour.

2023

Averaging 80 pages, InHouse is now published in hardcopy and online, and is distributed to 4500+ members, industry partners, stakeholders, carpentry apprentices and polytechnics.

REVERE Magazine 2018

The inaugural copy of Revere was published in 2018 with a print run of 8,000. Revere is an NZCB celebratory magazine that showcases outstanding work from our members. It is distributed nationwide to members, partners, Air NZ Koru clubs, homeowners, and offices of influence. Revere is now published biannually with 11,000 copies per print run.

Full Court Press 2019

An initiative to raise awareness of NZCB in the Blenheim/ Marlborough and Manawatu regions through a series of in-person meetings with organisations closely connected to homeowners.

NZCB Apprentice Challenge 2011

The NZCB Apprentice Challenge was first held in 2011, featuring a handful of apprentices from ITAB-accredited Industry Training Providers. Three apprentices competed at the National Final held in Queenstown, with little recognition or acknowledgement from the industry for their efforts!

These days, the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM averages over 100 entries nationwide, with 20 apprentices qualifying for the National Final. It has transformed from its early beginnings into a creditable Industry recognised competition and is a highlight of the NZCB AGM, Conference & Expo.

Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust $220,000

The amount the AST Trust has granted apprentices in need since 2000! The Trust promotes and provides pathways in industry training, apprentice education and more. NZCB regions have raised funds through golf days, quiz nights, charity builds, regional involvement in career pathways, schools, and independent providers. NSO has also raised thousands from auctions held at several NZCB AGM, Conference

Winners 2003

NZCB announced as winners of the Judge’s Commendation Award at the Westpac Tauranga Regional Business of the Year Awards.

2000 – 2022

ITAB was launched as an industry training initiative in 2000. Aimed at addressing a declining skill base in the industry, it combined Polytechnic-based training for the theoretical part of the apprenticeship and 8,000 hours of time served for practical skills. Sadly, due to the RoVE reform in 2022, the ITAB Board of Directors and management agreed to withdraw the programme. An alternative programme for NZCB apprentices was launched in 2023 called the Apprentice Network.

NZCB Apprentice Network 2023

Designed to support the apprentice and employer, the NZCB Apprentice Network provides specialist apprenticeship advice and practical benefits. It works alongside the learning pathway, chosen by the employer or apprentice, provided by Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

2014 Our closed Facebook Group launched

2018 750 members

2023 1,400+ members

500

The number of Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty builders who have taken part in the Building Insites training programme from 2016 to 2018. Supported by BRANZ, to educate and up-skill busy builders, and boost NZCB’s membership, by delivering build quality training sessions on-site.

Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee

After launching in December 2015, underwriters Lloyd’s of London advised it was reducing its insurance cover in November 2019. In January 2020, they swiftly withdrew from the scheme and the building 10-year guarantee market. We lost the ability to offer the 10-Year Residential Guarantee for a brief period. After a lot of hard work, NZCB brought back the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee product without relying on a third-party insurance company. The product is slightly different, as it is a guarantee, not insurance. Halo Guarantees Limited now provides this new product, a company owned 100% by NZCB but with a Board, CE, and staff. It is making great progress and is a very competitive product in the market.

Member representation

+ = FROM THE REGIONS

NZCB divides New Zealand into 22 regions with each region led by a voluntary President and Committee. NZCB presidents play a vital role in the Association as a voice/go-between for our members to communicate with the NZCB Board. A massive thank you to all NZCB presidents both past and present for the amazing effort you have put in!

On a jet plane 2020

A team of NZCB members travelled to the US for the NAHB International Builders’ Show and a group home builder tour to learn about the latest international trends.

NZCB Board of Directors

2000

12 Directors

2016 Reshaped from 12 to six Directors to align with modern business practices

2022

12th Chairperson voted in

A place to call home

2017

NZCB secured its future by building a purpose-built National Support Office at 10 Marsh Street, Tauranga, with rental income underneath.

Bridging the gender gap

More women are becoming involved in the Association, which is great! Over the last couple of years we have had four Independent Directors (two of which still remain) on the NZCB Board, two Regional Presidents (one in Auckland and another in Wellington), and three female members.

We’ve come a long way 2012

NZCB Building Contracts were moved online

2018

Automatic Halo Guarantee integration launched