Meet our NZCB Presidents

The New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) is divided into 22 regions throughout New Zealand. Each region is led by a President and supported by a local committee.

The regional Presidents role includes being a go-to person/voice on behalf of their region to communicate any industry concerns or business issues they may have. The President is available to speak on the regions’ behalf to NZCB management and the NZCB Board.

As you may or may not be aware who your President is, we have asked each President to put together a short bio about themselves so you can get to know a bit more about them. Should you need to contact your President, their details can be found on the members’ only Toolshed at https://www.nzcb.nz/ members/nzcb-people/ or, alternatively please contact the National Support Office on 0800 237 843.

Matt Hatchard Bay of Islands/Far North Member since 2018 – President since 2021 I gave up a career behind a desk to follow my passion into the building industry as an adult. Starting in the UK, and then completing my ITAB Apprenticeship through Northtec and Fox Build in Russell. In 2018, I won the NZCB Apprentice Challenge and later that year I took over the business I was working for, building Architectural builds in Russell. My wife and I have two young boys which keeps us busy, and I have also been a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Russell Brigade for three years. Craig Cogan Whangarei Member since 2009 – President since 2021 Born and bred in the Bream Bay area, I have over 25 years’ experience in the building industry. I started my apprenticeship at age 15 and, once qualified, I headed overseas to gain further experience. Returning home in 2008, I started my own business, Cogan Custom Homes, focusing mainly on mid to high-end new builds. I am passionate about our region, my business and family. As well as being an active property investor, I enjoy travelling (when possible) playing golf, kite surfing and fishing while following most sports, including hockey, cricket and, of course, rugby.

Barbara MacGregor Auckland Member since 2010 – President since 2021 After graduating from the University of Waikato with a BMS degree (Marketing), I secured a place on the Ford Motor Company graduate program. This led to a 12-year Sales & Marketing career with this company, including working with luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover as their NZ Marketing Manager. In 2005, my husband Kris and I established our building business in Auckland specialising in renovations. Three years later, I left Ford and since then have worked full time in our business assisting with and overseeing the day-to-day operations. I love nothing more than taking our kids on an outing to one of Auckland’s wild west coast beaches. Alan Warburton Waikato Member since 2013 – President since 2021 I’m proud to represent NZCB in the Waikato region alongside my current role as Programme Coordinator for ITAB Carpentry Apprenticeships at Wintec. I also have a small renovation company where I undertake small building jobs. With over 20 years of experience in the building industry within New Zealand and Canada, I obtained a teaching certificate through Brock University in Hamilton, Ontario. I taught at an isolated high school in Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan and when I returned to Aotearoa, I taught pre-trade carpentry at Unitec in Auckland.

Paul James Tauranga Districts Member since 2011 – President since 2016 Born and bred on a dairy farm in the Tauranga region, I spent my youth hunting, riding dirt bikes and mucking around with yachts. Adult life saw a stint in the police force followed by a building apprenticeship in Auckland, moving back to Tauranga and into business in 2003. I have never looked back. I am currently enjoying the role as President and being able to help our local membership navigate its way through an ever-evolving building and construction future. Hamish Galloway Whakatane Member since 2001 – President since 2015 I have been building for 30 years in the Opotiki and Whakatane area and employ three staff. For the last 20 years I have also been a Volunteer Fire Fighter and have completed the Sky Tower challenge four times to help raise money for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. I am married to Jo with two sons and have a love for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing.

Erin Pope Rotorua Member since 2004 – President since 2017 My interest in the building industry began on Waiheke Island where I was born and bred, and this was also where I completed my carpentry apprenticeship. I also lived and worked in the UK for three years and on returning to New Zealand in 2003, my wife Elise and I decided to settle in Rotorua and start our own construction company. Away from work I enjoy a variety of things, including fishing, hunting, squash, and cricket and spending quality time with family and friends. Paul Riedel Taupo Member since 2000 – President since 2019 I completed my apprenticeship in the New Zealand army before heading overseas with my wife for three years. While travelling I was employed as a cabinetmaker and involved in repiling 200-yearold houses in London and Amsterdam. In 1998, we moved back to New Zealand and settled in Taupo. My company employs ten staff and carries out new house builds. I am passionate about seeing new people with a high skill level come through the trade and I look forward to having a positive influence on our industry to help enable it to move forward with creditability.

Mark Roil Hawke’s Bay Member since 2015 – President since 2021 After finishing high school in Hawke’s Bay, I went straight into a carpentry apprenticeship while also studying Construction Management through Victoria University. Once qualified, I spent five years abroad in Canada and Australia. Upon returning to Hawke’s Bay five years ago I started a prefabrication business which has slowly grown into what it is today. We can currently build six inside our 1800m2 factory at one time and once completed they can be transported all over New Zealand. When I’m not working, I’m either surfing, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, or diving.

Adan Larsen Taranaki Member since 2008 – President since 2016 I was born and raised in Taranaki on a dry stock farm and at the end of sixth form I left school to work in a large quarry, driving heavy machinery. While at the quarry I helped with a large building project which inspired me to pursue a career in building. My wife Kelly and I are passionate about the building industry and especially training apprentices, which we have done since starting our building company in 2004. It gives me pleasure to see the apprentices develop and go on to achieve great accomplishments within their own lives.

Paul Bashford Wairarapa Member since 2013 – President since 2015 When I left school, I moved to the Wairarapa and worked in forestry. After seven years, I changed careers to complete an adult Carpentry Apprenticeship and in 2010 started my own business building a combination of architectural and commercial builds. My wife Rebecca and I have three boys and when we have time, we enjoy fishing at Castlepoint. I am also a member of the Wairarapa Search and Rescue driven by my love for the outdoors and helping people.

Dave Gunter Nelson Bays Member since 2000 – President 2018 I was born in Tauranga and served my apprenticeship/ advanced trade straight out of school. I also lived and worked in Hawaii, USA for four years and I built in Tauranga until 2003 when I hung up my tools and focused on design work. I moved to the South Island’s West Coast for 12 years and was the West Coast President for seven years before moving to Marahau, Abel Tasman. My wife Heather and I have four kids and love the outdoors and ocean. These days I work from home, doing design work all over New Zealand. Phillip Claffey Gisborne Member since 2006 – President since 2017 I started my company in 2005, with just myself and an apprentice undertaking small jobs and renovations. Since then my company has grown as demand has grown. We specialise in new homes and renovations and I am very passionate about the building industry in general. I am always up-skilling and looking for ways for my team and I to perform better. I am a mad keen hunter and fisherman and, if I’m not working, I am always looking for new spots around New Zealand to investigate.

Craig Whitton Manawatu Member since 2010 – President since 2019 I have been building in the Rangitikei area for 17 years after completing my apprenticeship as an adult. Prior to building I worked as a dairy farmer for 15 years. It had always been a life goal to build my own home, which I did while completing my apprenticeship. I run a small family business along with my wife Liz, specialising in renovations, bathrooms and new builds and any other jobs that challenge the team. We have three children and we love to get out in our jet boat or out in the great outdoors.

Adrian Reid Wellington Member since 2010 – President since 2016 Originally from Tokoroa, I left school in 1987 and tried to get a building apprenticeship. However, jobs were non-existent, so I embarked on a dairy farming career. Fast forward 15 years, various jobs later and a big OE, I followed a girl to Wellington where I started a carpentry apprenticeship at the age of 32. I have been running my business now for 15 years with a small team specialising in large renovations and architectural new builds. Our family loves spending time at the beach, camping, fishing, and riding dirt bikes.

Nick Hill Blenheim/Marlborough Member since 2013 – President since 2020 I have been in the construction industry in Blenheim for close to 30 years. I began my career in aluminium fabrication then took on a building apprenticeship. I’ve been self-employed in building for around 15 years now, starting out with contracting and have now evolved into design-and-build projects. When I’m not on the tools you’ll find me enjoying the various outdoor activities that Marlborough has to offer.