Apprentice of the Year regional winners await their next challenge

Now in its 20th year, the competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices, raises awareness of career opportunities in the construction industry and tests future sector leaders' project management, business, presentation, and practical skills.

For the regional competition, each apprentice had to submit details of a building project they were working on as well as take part in a two-hour practical challenge where they were tasked with building a step stool. The top 10 participants from each region then progressed to an interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their building project in detail. 

The winners, as well as second and third placed apprentices, have now been announced:

WAIKATO
Winner - Jess Nielson, Taumarunui (Sloan Annand Builders)

The judging panel commented, “Jess is an extremely impressive apprentice. She showed great focus and technique with her tools. She was accurate in her work, shows excellent competency and her project was finished to an extremely high standard.”

Second place - Mac Livingstone, Te Awamutu (Livingstone Building)
Third place - Luka de Hertog, Hamilton (Grant Stewart Building)

SOUTHERN
Winner - Craig Burke, Wanaka (Bayview Construction)

Judges commented, “Craig’s submission was well laid out, with great utilisation of plans and photos, illustrating the various stages of his build. During the interview, he exuded confidence and presented himself well. His site visit, on a new build, impressed the judges, and highlighted his profound understanding of the practical aspects of building,” the feedback said.

Second place - Sam Hoskins, Lake Hawea (Dunlop Builders)
Third place - Jackson Reardon, Wanaka (CDL Building)

AUCKLAND
Winner - Jack Nevines (Faulkner Construction)

Jack received the following outstanding comments from the judging panel, “Jack had an application that was close to perfection – the judges had never before seen such an in-depth and detailed submission.

“He had a faultless interview and did an excellent job in the practical challenge. Jack has excelled in every aspect of this competition and is one of the strongest apprentices the judges have seen during their time.”

Second place - Matthew Cui, Waiheke Island (Dash Build)
Third place - Sam Graham (Concpt Construction)

NORTHERN
Winner - Isaac Posthuma, North Shore (JR Build)

The judges were impressed with the high quality of Isaac’s submission. They said, “He wrote about his project in detail  and showed a deep understanding of the finer points. Isaac really came to life during the site visit – his involvement in the project was clear and his passion for building shone through.”

Second place - Corina Brown, Whangārei (RHJ Builders)
Third place - Jacques Auret, Auckland (NZ Builders)

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND & EAST COAST / HAWKE’S BAY
Winner - Taharangi McWatters, Foxton (Wayne Bishop Group)

Comments from the judging panel included, “Taharangi had an outstanding “why me” section in his application and it painted a great picture of who he is for the judges. It’s clear that Taharangi has an incredible passion for construction. He also has a deep understanding of the building sector, which will set him in good stead.”

Second place - Thomas Stratton, Feilding (Narley Construction)
Third place - Lee Spooner, Ohakune (Under Construction)

COOK STRAIT
Winner - Tim Parkinson, Ruby Bay (RenovateMe Nelson)

Tim received the following praise from the judging panel, “Tim possesses a keen eye for detail in complex projects and exhibits strong leadership qualities. It's impressive to see such advanced skills after only two years of his apprenticeship.”

Second place - John Allan, Porirua (De Bes Contracting)
Third place - Aaron Lambert, Blenheim (George Guthrie Construction)

CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Winner - Jake Rochford, Christchurch (LOC Construction)

Jake impressed the judges with his ‘exceptional skills in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the competition’. They noted, “Jake displayed leadership qualities during his interview and demonstrated competence in completing tasks given to him. He is already involved with solving complex issues onsite with senior colleagues.”

Second place - George Wallis, Christchurch (Jim the Builder)
Third place - Jonathan Kingston-Smith, Christchurch (Grace Builders Holdings Limited)

BAY OF PLENTY & CENTRAL PLATEAU
Winner - Mike Watson, Tauranga (JBH Building)

Judges commented that Mike was, “A great all-round apprentice, with a superb attitude towards learning. Mike excelled in the first stage of the competition. With a strong ability to communicate, he had an excellent submission that showed a very solid understanding of his project. His practical project was very well-built, and we were impressed with his high level of workmanship.”

Second place - Elliot Janissen, Tauranga (Todd Grey Builders) 
Third place - Tapiwa Chikono, Tauranga (Finelines Construction)