PODCAST · business
Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business
by Ryan Castle
Welcome to the Master Builders Elevate podcast, hosted by Ryan Castle, where we discuss topics and talk with experts, advocates and business owners in the New Zealand construction industry. We share knowledge, insights and experiences to help you build a better business and enjoy a better life. The podcast explores ideas and practices that help builders get the best from their businesses, teams and themselves. Every second week a new episode will be released. You can listen online or find and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In addition to a podcast, Registered Master Builders Elevate is the online learning portal exclusively for Master Builders. Here you’ll find courses, microcourses and other learning resources – all free to you as part of your membership. Elevate offers the flexibility to learn what you need when you need it and at your own pace. The learning platform can be accessed anywhere, anytime and on any device
Episodes
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Ep 103 – Turnkey funding: smarter, fairer finance for builders with John Bolton of Squirrel
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle talks with John Bolton (JB), founder of Squirrel and official Master Builders partner, about one of the biggest handbrakes on growth for building businesses: access to capital. JB shares how he left ANZ to start Squirrel in the middle of the…
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Ep 103 - Chief's Chat: Productivity, adaptability and the state of the sector
Ryan sits down with Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma to unpack what came out of Constructive and what the latest State of the Sector numbers mean for builders. Ankit's read on the event is that adaptability drives innovation and collaboration drives resilience, and that you need both to grow...
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Ep 102 – Construction waste, real costs and the Waste Hub with Penny Thomson and Dr Terri-Ann Berry
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Penny Thomson and Dr Terri-Ann Berry of the Environmental Innovation Centre explain why just under 70% of everything going to New Zealand landfills comes from construction. They introduce the WasteHub, a free online resource where builders can identify the...
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Ep 101 – Craftsmanship, awards and the drive to improve with Nathan Hall, Navigation Homes
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Nathan Hall of Navigation Homes talks about the Mauku project that earned them a spot in the Master Builders House of the Year 2025 Top 100, taking home National Category Winner and Regional Gold. Nathan shares what made this rural build stand out, from the...
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Ep 100 - Chief's Chat: Adjusting your sails when the winds change
Ryan sits down with Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma to unpack the government's $7 billion capital package and what it will actually take to turn that intention into real pipeline for the industry. They also dig into what Master Builders is hearing directly from members through its regional…
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Ep 99 – Building Better Homes: The Green Finance Opportunity with Andrew Eagles
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Andrew Eagles, CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council, joins the conversation to unpack how healthier, more energy-efficient homes can create major financial advantages for both developers and homeowners. From lower-interest development finance to...
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Ep 98 – Behind the House of the Year Awards: How Homes Are Judged with Mark Metzger
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Mark Metzger, Director of Metzger Builders, joins the conversation to share a behind-the-scenes look at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. With more than 35 years in the industry and multiple Supreme House of the Year titles to his…
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Ep 97 - Women building the future: Kirsty Hopewell,President of NAWIC, on visibility and change in construction
In this special Women’s Month episode of the Elevate Podcast, Kirsty Hopewell, President of NAWIC New Zealand and Senior Quantity Surveyor at Naylor Love, joins the conversation to reflect on 30 years of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the powerful “30 Stories for 30...
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Ep 96 - Chief's Chat: From resilience to productivity, why 2026 is the turning point
In the first Elevate episode of 2026, Ryan sits down with Ankit Sharma to talk about the mood shift they’re both sensing in the sector: confidence is lifting, but the workload hasn’t caught up yet. Ankit’s message is clear. Don’t wait for the upturn. Get proactive. Build your brand, sharpen your...
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Ep 95 – Chief’s Chat: What’s ahead for builders in 2026 and how to prepare
In this final Elevate episode of the year, Ankit Sharma reflects on a tough but important year of transition for New Zealand’s construction sector. He explains the shift to proportionate liability, the push to clamp down on Phoenix companies, and how initiatives like FiNZscore aim to reward...
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EP 94 – Density done right with George Weeks, Auckland Council
Chartered town planner and urban designer George Weeks joins Elevate to unpack what “good density” actually looks like here in Aotearoa, and why the 5-minute pint test might be the simplest measure of liveability we’ve ever heard. George shares why density only works when you make the daily stuff...
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Ep 93 - Jodine McIntyre, founder of Social Smarty, on social media that works for builders
Jodine McIntyre, founder of Social Smarty, joins Elevate to show construction owners how to run social in-house without drowning in it. She shares why training your team can beat outsourcing for authenticity, how to set solid foundations before you post, and the simple planning rhythm that keeps...
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EP 92 – Chief's Chat: Real progress, practical steps and more to come
In this Chief’s Chat, Ankit Sharma outlines key reforms transforming the construction sector, from streamlining consents and easing liability rules to opening pathways for overseas building products. These changes are designed to cut delays, reduce costs, and boost supply chain resilience, while...
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EP 91 – Rethinking demolition with Dylan Bull & Alex Hawthorne, Levela Deconstruction,
In this episode, we’re joined by Dylan Bull and Alex Hawthorne from Levela Deconstruction—two founders challenging the status quo of demolition in New Zealand. Instead of sending building waste straight to landfill, they’ve built a business focused on carefully dismantling structures to salvage…
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EP 90 – Building better trades: Katherine Hall on the future of apprenticeships and inclusion
Katherine Hall, CEO of ConCOVE, joins the Master Builders Elevate podcast to talk about the future of trades in New Zealand and why now is the time to invest in it. She shares the trends reshaping vocational training, including why most construction apprentices don’t start until 27, and what we...
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EP 89 – Chief's Chat: A turning point for our sector
In this Chief’s Chat, Ankit Sharma shares an update on the building and construction sector’s outlook for 2025. Signs of slow, steady recovery are emerging, led by improving economic indicators and easing construction costs. Regional economies are driving this rebound, with momentum expected to...
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EP 88 – Building mental wealth, business health and sales discipline with Logan Wedgwood
Wedgwood from Advisory Works about the habits and strategies that help construction leaders thrive. Logan shares how structured routines, family time, and tools help build mental wealth, and why discipline matters more than motivation. He also breaks down what strong business health and effective...
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Ep 87 – Mental fitness in construction: Rafael Caso on building habits for a healthier, happier life
In this episode of the MB Elevate Podcast, Rafael Caso from Live Well, Build Well joins Ryan Castle to share a fresh, practical take on mental fitness in construction. Rafael’s journey from site manager to wellbeing advocate has led to a nationwide movement focused on prevention, not crisis...
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EP 86 – Chief's Chat: A new year, a new outlook for the building sector
In this episode of the MB Elevate Podcast, Ankit Sharma joins the Chief’s Chat to discuss key industry insights and Master Builders NZ’s initiatives for 2025. With stabilising housing prices, lower building cost inflation, and expected interest rate reductions, optimism is returning to the…
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Ep 85 - New lease of life: award-winning historic home renovation
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Wendy and Bernard Hilhorst share the story behind their award-winning restoration of a historic 1920s Arts and Crafts-style home in Cambridge. Collaborating with G.D. Pringle Building, they undertook a stunning transformation that modernized the home while...
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EP 84 - Clause H1 unpacked: insights on New Zealand's Building Code updates with Dr. Chris Litten
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Litten, General Manager of Research at BRANZ, to unpack the recent changes to Clause H1 of New Zealand’s Building Code. Dr. Litten dives into the new energy efficiency standards, detailing updates in insulation, thermal…
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EP 83 – Insights from Constructive 2024 with Ankit Sharma
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Ankit Khandwala to discuss key takeaways from Constructive 2024, focusing on the current state and future of New Zealand’s construction sector. Ankit shares insights on the challenges the industry faces, including economic…
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EP82 - Sustainable Excellence: The Arup Office Fit Out with Arwen Dickinson
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, we're joined by Arwen Dickinson, Head of Delivery at Unispace, to explore the award-winning Arup office fit-out in Auckland. Aimed at achieving the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification, this project stands as one of New Zealand’s most…
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Ep 81 - Transforming Mental Health on Construction Sites with Alan Farragher, Diamond Workwear
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Alan Farragher, founder of Diamond Workwear and a Canterbury-based Construction Site Manager, to discuss mental health in the construction industry. Alan shares his journey, which began with a deep personal tragedy and then led to a...
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EP 80 – Building a Legacy: The Whangārei Civic Centre Project
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Alan Adcock, General Manager / CFO of the Whangarei District Council, and Edward Wotherspoon, Manager of the Business Support Department, to discuss the Whangārei Civic Centre Project, Te Iwitahi. Alan Adcock, with over 35 years of...
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EP 79 - Chief's Chat: Building Innovation and Community
In this episode of the Chief's Chat, we welcome Ankit Sharma, the new CEO of Master Builders NZ, bringing over 20 years of industry experience in corporate governance, strategy, and business transformation. Ankit shares his excitement about exploring collaborative leadership. He highlights the...
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Ep 78 - Building Mental Health: MATES in Construction
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Dr Lauren Donnan and James Sendall from MATES in Construction to discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Dr Donnan shares how MATES' research-driven approach addresses high suicide rates by…
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EP 77 - Glenn Duncan, Builders Academy's General Manager, on Transforming Vocational Education in NZ Construction
Join us for a discussion where we explore the future of vocational education in New Zealand's construction sector – the dynamic collaboration between Registered Master Builders New Zealand and Builders Academy New Zealand. This partnership is hoping to elevate vocational education by enhancing...
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EP 76 - Jessica Nielsen, Waikato 2023 Apprentice of the Year winner, on her construction journey & top tip for aspiring apprentices
With the Apprentice of the Year entries now open for 2024, Ryan Castle talks toJessica Nielsen, the Waikato 2023 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year. Jess made history as the first woman to reach the final and placed third in the national competition. Despite being the first female...
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EP75 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, Navigating Change: Reflections from a Decade at Master Builders
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, David Kelly bids farewell to his nine-year tenure as the chief executive of Master Builders. David reflects on his time at Master Builders, highlighting significant changes within the organisation, such as transitioning from a federated model to one...
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EP74 - Open Dialogue and Collaboration, a conversation with Natasha Markham and Ross Faulkner
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Ryan Castle talks with architect Natasha Markham and builder Ross Faulkner. Natasha Markham is a registered architect, urban designer, and founder of MAUD (Markham Architecture + Urban Design). The Auckland-based practice is a boutique studio...
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EP73 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, Navigating the Changing Landscape of the Construction Industry
This Chief's Chat episode, features Ryan and David discussing the current state of the construction industry, the impact of the election, and the results of the Sector Survey. David highlights the need for quality housing, improved procurement practices, and changes in government regulation. They...
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Ep 72 - Navigating Construction Contracts: A Conversation with Cian Brennan, CEO of Quantum Contract Solutions
In this episode, Ryan is talking to Cian Brennan, the founder of Quantum Contract Solutions. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of construction contracts, the stuff that makes or breaks a project. Cian Brennan is a seasoned expert in the field of contract interpretation, he specialises in how to...
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EP 71 - Empowering Excellence: Celebrating Women in Construction with Rebecca Hodges, NAWIC President
In this episode we are celebrating the remarkable women who are shaping the construction with our special guest, Rebecca Hodges, the Design Manager at Summerset and the current president of National Association of Women in Construction. In this podcast, we not only explore Rebecca's fascinating...
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EP70 - Nigel Benton, Vice President of Auckland Master Builders, on sustainability in construction
In this episode Ryan Castle interviews Nigel Benton, a Master Builder since 1996 and Vice President of Auckland Master Builders. Nigel passionately promotes recycling and eco-friendly practices in construction. Nigel's standout project diverted over 90% of waste from landfills through meticulous...
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EP69 - Wayne Zheng, Director of Chancellor Construction, on immigrant perspective in construction and the value nurturing young talent
In this episode of the Elevate Master Builders podcast, host Ryan Castle interviews Wayne Zheng, owner of Chancellor Construction. Wayne shares his journey from a career in finance to starting his own construction company in New Zealand. He discusses the challenges he faced as an immigrant and…
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EP68 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on the election 2023 and working better together
This Chief's Chat episode, features Ryan and David discussing the upcoming New Zealand election and the Master Builders' efforts to work with political parties to address issues affecting the construction industry. The conversation focuses on key themes such as the boom-bust cycle, workforce...
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Ep67- Breaking the stigma: mental health in the construction industry with Glen Thurston
Trigger warning: this episode discusses themes of depression, self-harm and suicide, which may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. If at any point you find this overwhelming, please stop listening. If you feel like you are in immediate danger, please call 111. In this Elevate Podcast...
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EP66 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on a year for advocacy
In this Chief's Chat episode, Ryan and David discuss Masters Builders' advocacy focus for the year. They talk about some good progress is being made in changes to building consent as well as the concerns Master Builders has raised regarding the RMA reform. David also shares that a key focus for…
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EP65 - Nick Lane, Director of Iconic Construction Ltd, on the first 3D printed commercial building in Southern hemisphere
As a part of the "Celebrating Our Members" campaign, Ryan is talking to Nick Lane, Director of Iconic Construction Ltd. This year the company completed a fascinating project: the first 3D printed commercial building in the Southern hemisphere! Ryan and Nick discuss what it's like to work with...
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EP64 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on the aftermath of the cyclone Gabrielle, economic outlook and advocacy aspirations
In this Chief's Chat episode, Ryan and David discuss the aftermath of the recent weather events and how they will affect the sector. They also look into the economic outlook, material price inflation and what we can do to be prepared. David also shares advocacy aspirations for the year to come,...
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EP63 - Glenn Duncan, BCITO's Group Manager Customer Experience, on the importance of celebrating apprentices and the companies that support them..
The 2023 Apprentice of the Year in partnership with CARTERS entries are opening on the 9th of March. In today’s episode Ryan talks to Glenn Duncan, Group Manager Customer Experience, BCITO, about the importance of celebrating apprentices and the companies that are supporting them. They also…
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Ep62 - Daniel Klinkenberg, Urban Homes, on excellency and being the Platinum Award winners at the National House of the Year 2022
Platinum Award is given to builders who have achieved outstanding building excellence and won five or more National Category titles. Urban Homes was established in 2004, delivering quality homes across Waikato, South Auckland, Coromandel and beyond. Daniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg started Urban…
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EP61 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on trends and highlight of the year
Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some positive wins this year like the Constructive Forum and the relaunch of the Vertical Construction Leadership Group. It was also great that MBIE was prepared to listen to the concerns raised about the timing of introducing new insulation...
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EP60 - Apprentice of the Year - Behind the scene
This year Apprentice of the Year celebrates its 19th anniversary! Today we have two very special guests: Martin Goulden and David Mudge. Martin Goulden is a National judge and has been involved in the competition since its conception 19 years ago. David Mudge is a Practical Co-Ordinator, and he's...
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EP59 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on State of the Sector survey and the Constructive Forum
For the first time, the survey explored both the supply and demand sides of construction. Over 1,200 sector participants and homeowners who had built or completed a significant renovation in the past three years responded to questions about their experience building, the economy, critical issues...
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Ep 58 - Paul Southey, director of A1 Homes Wairarapa, on diversity in construction
Paul was a teacher supporting students through the Gateway programme, which supports students to transition into employment. He opened the Wairarapa branch of A1 Homes in 2006. His daughter's interest in the construction industry made him realised that he needs to do a better job to make...
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EP 57 - Darrell Trigg about Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Imagine a building that has no two things the same. Not a single window the same, not a balustrade, not even a tile. Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is an amazing journey that took 30 years and what's been achieved by the construction team and the community of Whangārei is...
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EP56 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, supporting the sector in a challenging market
It continues to be a tough time for the building and construction sector. With such a myriad of issues currently impacting the sector, this month David Kelly explains that Master Builders have targeted their efforts on the plasterboard shortage and the H1/AS1 building code changes. They are also...
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EP 55 Men's Health Week with Mark Sainsbury
As a part of the Men's Health Week Ryan is talking to Mark Sainsbury, one of the country’s most experienced journalists and one of the directors and ambassadors for the Men's Health Week, about the importance of small steps to look after your physical and mental health. Men are at a disadvantage...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Master Builders Elevate podcast, hosted by Ryan Castle, where we discuss topics and talk with experts, advocates and business owners in the New Zealand construction industry. We share knowledge, insights and experiences to help you build a better business and enjoy a better life. The podcast explores ideas and practices that help builders get the best from their businesses, teams and themselves. Every second week a new episode will be released. You can listen online or find and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In addition to a podcast, Registered Master Builders Elevate is the online learning portal exclusively for Master Builders. Here you’ll find courses, microcourses and other learning resources – all free to you as part of your membership. Elevate offers the flexibility to learn what you need when you need it and at your own pace. The learning platform can be accessed anywhere, anytime and on any device
HOSTED BY
Ryan Castle
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business have?
Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business currently has 103 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business about?
Welcome to the Master Builders Elevate podcast, hosted by Ryan Castle, where we discuss topics and talk with experts, advocates and business owners in the New Zealand construction industry. We share knowledge, insights and experiences to help you build a better business and enjoy a better life. The...
How often does Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business release new episodes?
Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business publishes regularly with 103 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business?
Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business is created and hosted by Ryan Castle.
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