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…
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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 plastics on their site, find a local recycler, check supplier takeback options, and set up for better…
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 material choices and detailing to a last-minute patio fix that nearly didn't happen. Nathan also…
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 summit series, where over a thousand business leaders gathered this year, including the mindset gap between…
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 green mortgage offers, Andrew explains how Homestar certification is helping builders access funding…
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 name, Mark brings a unique perspective as both an award-winning builder and national judge. Mark unpacks…
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 Years” campaign. Kirsty shares her own journey into construction, what drew her to the industry, and…
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 value proposition, strengthen your pipeline, and reconnect with past prospects so you’re ready when…
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 well-run building businesses with stronger credibility, better lending options, and improved consumer trust.…
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 easy: milk, a beer, a café, a park, within a short stroll from your front door. We dig into what NZ’s…
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 content consistent and effective. We cover the four post types that drive results: Expert , Connection…
