Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business

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 easy: milk, a beer, a café, a park, within a short stroll from your front door. We dig into what NZ’s getting right already (Point Chev, Christchurch terraces, Hobsonville), and what still needs work, like acoustic standards still stuck in the 1950s. You’ll hear why the City Rail Link won’t just shorten trips, it’ll act like a “fountain of pedestrians” that shifts demand, value and development patterns around key stations. George breaks down why good streets are tree-lined, human-scaled and well-lit, and how developers can build projects that feel more like neighbourhoods and less like dense sprawl. If you’re a builder or developer thinking about townhouses, walk-ups or mixed-use in any NZ city, this episode gives you a clear and practical playbook for density done right. Where else you can find us Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/ [https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz [http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/ [https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders [https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg]

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 content consistent and effective. We cover the four post types that drive results: Expert, Connection, Action, Sales, with quick examples you can copy. Jolene breaks down where each platform fits today in New Zealand (Facebook groups still matter, Instagram is surging, TikTok is entertainment first), how to match content to your audience, and why “people over framing photos” wins. You’ll also hear how to think about touchpoints, what to put on your landing page instead of another “top ten tips,” and the right way to layer paid ads on top of healthy organic posting. If you’re a construction leader starting from scratch or rebooting a dusty page, this episode gives you a clear, one-page plan to follow.  Useful links: socialsmarty.co [https://socialsmarty.co/] Free resources https://socialsmarty.co/freebies [https://socialsmarty.co/freebies] Social Smarty YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@socialsmartyco [https://www.youtube.com/@socialsmartyco] Connect with Katherine Hall on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/socialsmartyco?originalSubdomain=nz] Where else you can find us Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/ [https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz [http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/ [https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders [https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg]

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 protecting homeowners and lifting industry standards. He also shares insights on the sector’s recovery, with regions rebounding ahead of urban centres, and stresses the need for sustainable growth, workforce planning, and adopting productivity tools like generative AI. Ankit previews the upcoming Constructive conference, where members can gain practical tools and insights to prepare for the next cycle of growth. Useful links www.constructive.org.nz [https://www.constructive.org.nz/] Regional Constructive Summits [https://constructive.org.nz/Constructive/Regional_Summits/Constructive/Regional_Constructive_Summits.aspx] Constructive 2025 Registration Form [https://nzmasterbuilders.swoogo.com/constructive-registration/begin] Where else you can find us Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/ [https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz [http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/ [https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders [https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg]

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 and reuse materials. From timber and steel to joinery and fixtures, they’re proving that deconstruction is not only better for the planet, it’s commercially viable and creates more jobs on site. We dig into how Levela works with clients like the Ministry of Education, how their approach compares in cost and time to traditional demolition, and why smarter waste separation is catching on across the industry. If you’re ready to think differently about waste, this episode is packed with real-world insight, practical ideas, and a glimpse at what construction could look like with sustainability built in. Featured Guest: Levela Deconstruction Website: https://leveladeconstruction.co.nz [https://www.levela.co.nz] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levela_deconstruction [https://www.instagram.com/levela_deconstruction] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levela-deconstruction-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/levela-deconstruction] Where else you can find us Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/ [https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz [http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/ [https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders [https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg]

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 need to do to better support them: from smarter pathways and stronger employer-apprentice support, to rethinking how we treat each other on site. Ryan and Katherine discuss why New Zealand needs a national apprenticeship strategy, how pastoral care can make or break learner success, what bystander theory reveals about creating safer, more inclusive worksites, and why employers should be actively building relationships with schools. Whether you’re a business owner looking to bring on your first apprentice or a seasoned operator wondering what’s next for the workforce, this episode is full of insights and ideas to help you future-proof your team and your trade. Useful links: www.concove.ac.nz [https://www.concove.ac.nz/] Funding of vocational education for the construction and infrastructure sector discussion paper [https://concove.ac.nz/assets/Final-report/Funding-paper/Discussion_Paper_-Funding_of_Vocational_Education_May2025.pdf] Overview page [https://concove.ac.nz/discovery-hub/we-want-your-view-funding-of-vocational-education-for-the-construction-and-infrastructure-sector/] Connect with Katherine Hall on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallkatherine/] Where else you can find us Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/ [https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz [http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/ [https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders [https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg]