Auckland, Nelson Bays and Canterbury events

Auckland Challenge results

Nick Farrelly NZCB President Auckland

AUCKLAND

Nine apprentices from across Auckland took part in the region’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM. The event, hosted by Unitec Institute of Technology, was held on Saturday 10 April. It was great to see the budding builders get involved and put their learnings into action.

Auckland South’s first placegetter was Cole Moore from Kiwi Construction Limited. Roderick Jeremia from Building Maestros won the Auckland North challenge. Both winners took home an ITM pack of trade tools and will be representing Auckland at the finals during the NZCB Annual Conference and Expo in Wellington, 11–12 June. All contestants received a straight edge from our Auckland Regional Partner, Windowmakers. The event drew great support from the Auckland Committee, local MPs, friends, and family. Some past winners of the event took on the judging this year. Clement Richer (2016 challenge winner) and Cedric Folaumoetu’i (2019 challenge winner) noted the high standard of competition with each apprentice showing strong skills. In Auckland South, Sa’uma Leva’a Walpole from MyHome Renovations Limited came second and Ben Weatherby from Weatherby Projects finished third. Jack Morris and Harrison Forbes, both from Edgecity Builders Limited, ranked second and third respectively in Auckland North. Another great Challenge completed and a big thanks to everyone involved in making it a success. We’re looking forward to coming together in support of Cole and Roderick at the national finals during the NZCB Conference and Expo in June.

Photo supplied by Jack Curran. Auckland South and Auckland North 2021 NZCB Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM competitors.

Photo supplied by Jack Curran. Three of Auckland’s 2021 NZCB Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM judges (from left to right) 2019 challenge winner Cederic Folaumoetu’I, Auckland Committee member Grant Boylan and Unitec Institute of Technology Carpentry Tutor Chris Stoddard.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

On 18 March, a group of local New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Canterbury members were treated to a tour of the soon to be completed Te Pae Convention Centre. One translation of the name ‘Te Pae’, is ‘A Gathering Place’.

We were met on-site by some of the senior project management team and given an extensive tour. Although it is still currently under construction, it was easy to see what the building will offer to all users once it has been completed. Designed to reflect the braided rivers which are one of the main features of the Canterbury Plains, the building has many curved lines built into it. The pattern on the tiled floors, the curved walls, and the sweeping exterior all reflect this.

Another successful Build Nelson Expo

David Gunter NZCB President Nelson Bays

NELSON BAYS

On 18 March, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Nelson Bays held another successful Build Nelson Expo at the Annesbrook Event Centre.

With a full house of Trade Exhibitors, interested tradies had the opportunity to network, promote and talk all things “building” for the afternoon. Suppliers engaged with their target market and tradies could learn about new products and services.

The event was complemented by great food and a wide range of prizes from building products, accommodation, vouchers and much more. A big thank you to Carters, ITM, Mitre10 Mega and PlaceMakers whom we partnered with to bring this event to the Nelson Bays region as a service for the Top of the South tradies. The Build Nelson Expo is held every two years, so watch out for the next one in October 2023.

CANTERBURY

We were told it provided some interesting challenges throughout the build process.

The dining area can seat up to 1500 people at one sitting, the main auditorium will comfortably seat 1400 at any one time and is able to be partitioned by the use of sliding walls to make two adjoining 700 seat venues.

The use of sliding walls throughout makes the whole building versatile, allowing meeting rooms to be created that are suitable for 50–1500 people. At 2800m2, the main hall can hold some pretty large exhibitions. Perhaps NZCB will consider using it for our Annual AGM, Conference and Expo in a year or two.

To find out more about this world-class venue visit www.tepae.co.nz Richard Poff NZCB President Canterbury

Opposite page, and above: NZCB Canterbury members on-site at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.