Regional apprentices shine!

The regional results are in! The future of Kiwi construction is looking bright, with the talent on display across the regions.

Across New Zealand, 95 apprentices from nine regions took part in the 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year regional competition.  

Now in its twenty-third year, New Zealand’s leading competition for construction apprentices recognises and celebrates apprentices who are building strong skills and showing promise as the next generation of industry leaders, with CARTERS as a proud partner. 

The leading apprentice from each region will next progress to the national competition, which will take place on 7-9 October 2026, with the practical challenge at Auckland's Eventfinda Stadium 12.00-6.00pm on Thursday 8 October.

If you're an apprentice interested in competing next year, or know someone thinking about a career in construction, it's a great chance to come along, see what it takes to be a top apprentice and talk to the Master Builders and BCITO teams. Register here.

2026 regional winners

Northern 

Benjamin Plummer of Broswick Builders has been named Northern 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Marco Coelho of TP Builders, while Zach Stibbe of Warwick Gair Builders placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO. 

Benjamin stood out for his enthusiasm for the trade, strong industry knowledge and clear drive to keep developing his skills. During the site visit, he confidently talked judges through the project and the different stages he had contributed to, demonstrating a solid understanding of both building products and the Building Code. He carried that same focus into the practical challenge, where he completed the build to a high standard and reinforced why he was a deserving Northern regional winner. 

Auckland 

Oliver Wooles of Harrison Lane is this year’s Auckland 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Connor Glengarry of Glenbuild, while Noah Rooke of Faulkner Construction placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO. 

Oliver wowed the judges for the consistently high standard he brought to every stage of the competition. His strong technical knowledge, maturity and understanding of the wider industry impressed judges during the interview, while the site visit highlighted the pride he takes in his work and attention to detail. He capped off an impressive performance with one of the strongest practical assessments in the region, working methodically and accurately to produce a result that was difficult to fault. 

Waikato 

Matt Strawbridge of Foster Construction has been named the Waikato 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place was awarded to Jack Strawbridge of G.D Pringle Building, while Kaden Wenham of Whippet Builders placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO. 

Matt stood out for the depth of his industry knowledge and the maturity of his approach, particularly given he has been in the trade for just two and a half years. His submission clearly explained the thinking behind key construction decisions, while his interview demonstrated an impressive grasp of both the Building Act and Building Code. Matt carried that same considered approach into the practical challenge, where he planned carefully, worked efficiently and maintained a clean, safe workspace throughout. His combination of technical understanding and professionalism made him a strong regional winner. 

Bay of Plenty & Hawke's Bay 

Logan Crawford of JBH Builders is this year’s Bay of Plenty & Hawke's Bay 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Following her third-place finish at the 2025 regional competition, Georgia Rendall of Oswald Construction returned this year to take second place, while Ross Pirie of Oceanside Builds placed third. Logan was trained through Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology while Georgia and Ross were trained through BCITO. 

Logan impressed the judges with the way he combined practical knowledge with a genuine willingness to keep learning. His submission clearly explained how the project came together, including the sequencing of work and the use of materials and methods less common in traditional timber-frame construction. The site visit was a particular highlight, with Logan confidently walking judges through his contribution and the lessons he had taken from the build. His initiative and pride in his work were evident throughout, including in the practical challenge where his time management and organised workspace shone. 

Taranaki & Whanganui 

Taranaki-Whanganui 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year is Lachy Huges of Form Building. Second place went to Connor McGechan of Luke Nolly Building, while Kaelan Andrews of Richards Construction 2022 Ltd placed third. 

Connor was trained through Builders Academy, while Lachy and Kaelan were trained through BCITO. Lachy impressed the judges with his strong blend of technical capability and composure. His work on a complex high-performance home gave the judges a clear sense of the experience he is building, particularly through features such as the wall system, airtightness cavities and structural detailing. He also stood out for the way he approached gaps in his knowledge, taking the initiative to research an interview question and return with the correct answer at the site visit. His willingness to keep learning, combined with his accuracy, organisation and professionalism, left a strong impression throughout the competition.

Manawatū 

Corbyn Tembath of K Amey Construction has been named the Manawatū 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Angus Hodgson of Narley Construction, while Ben Stewart of Colspec Construction placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO. 

Corbyn stood out to the judges with his thoughtful approach, strong technical knowledge and genuine passion for the trade. His submission brought his experience to life through work on his parents’ home, with the timber ceiling highlighting the care and craftsmanship he brings to his projects. He was particularly strong in the interview, where his confidence and understanding of compliance stood out. Across the site visit and practical challenge, Corbyn continued to demonstrate a methodical approach and sound practical ability, while his resilience and determination added further weight to an already impressive performance. 

Lower North Island 

Dylan Johnston of Tonks Residential Construction was named the Lower North Island’s 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place was Richard Carroll of Western Builders, while Craig Stevens of J. Grae Building placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO. 

Dylan impressed the judges with his ability to combine strong technical knowledge with clear, confident communication. His submission demonstrated a thorough understanding of the materials, methods and building requirements behind his work, as well as the reasoning behind key construction decisions. That depth carried through to the practical challenge, interview and site visit, where his careful planning, organisation and high standard of workmanship were evident. His passion for building and genuine pride in his development as an apprentice made a lasting impression. 

Central & Upper South 

Dokyun Kim of Laing Properties has been named the Central & Upper South Island’s 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Caleb Scott of Big Bad Wolf Builders, while William Farnsworth of Taylor & Co Building placed third. Dokyun and William were trained through BCITO while Caleb was trained through the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT). 

Dokyun impressed the judges with the depth of his technical understanding, careful attention to detail and clear pride in his craft. His submission showed a strong grasp of a complex transportable home project, while his previous experience in boat building and cabinetmaking came through in the accuracy and practical thinking he brought to the competition. He carried that same confidence into the interview and site visit, where his preparation and detailed project knowledge clearly set him apart. 

Southern 

Jack McFarlane of Steve Mowat Building and Construction has been named the Southern 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Matt Kuriger of Breen Construction, while Matthias Caudy of Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build placed third. All three apprentices were trained through BCITO. 

Jack impressed the judges with his genuine passion for the industry, strong technical knowledge and clear understanding of his church build. He confidently explained his significant involvement across several stages of the project, including hanging doors, concrete work and steelwork. His thorough site walkthrough, strategic planning, time management and tool skills further demonstrated his capability and made him a deserving regional winner. 

Strong talent 

Master Builders Chief Executive Officer Ankit Sharma says the competition provides an important opportunity to recognise apprentices who are building strong foundations for their careers. 

“As our sector continues to evolve, skilled apprentices remain at the heart of delivering the high-quality homes and buildings New Zealand needs. Apprentice of the Year gives emerging builders the chance to demonstrate not only their practical ability, but also the professionalism, knowledge and leadership they are developing throughout their training.

Each apprentice submitted a detailed overview of a building project they were working on before completing a two-hour practical challenge, which required them to build a project box revealed on the morning of the competition. 

The regional competitors were then interviewed by a judging panel and assessed during an on-site visit to their project, where they were tested on their technical understanding, communication, project involvement and wider industry knowledge. 

The nine national finalists will now progress to the national competition, which includes a 45-minute interview with a national judging panel and an intensive six-hour practical challenge. This will take place on 7-9 October 2026 at The Cloud in Auckland. 

The nine national finalists will have the opportunity to attend a 16-day Outward Bound course, receive a ticket to the National House of the Year gala event including travel and accommodation, and a place at the National Final. They will receive a CARTERS Career Advancement Grant and the use of a brand-new ute for one year, courtesy of CARTERS.