Member Panels
11:45am – 12:30pm, Friday 5 June
NZCB – HALO on the Couch
Malcolm Fleming, NZCB and Shaun Reilly, HALO
As liability settings shift across the sector, this session offers a clear, practical update on what proportional liability means for builders and how NZCB and HALO are working together to strengthen member protection. Malcolm Fleming and Shaun Reilly break down the real-world impact on contracts, risk exposure, deposit protection and non-completion cover, while outlining how the guarantee scheme is evolving to support both builders and homeowners. Members will gain clarity on compliance expectations, the NZCB–HALO implementation timeline, and how strong liability foundations protect business reputation and consumer confidence.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Friday 5 June
Tools down truth out
Andy Wells, Tasman Homes and Shaun & Hayden Begovich, Begovich Builders
In this candid conversation, Andy Wells and brothers Shaun and Hayden Begovich share the realities of building resilient teams and sustainable construction businesses. Drawing on years of hands‑on leadership, apprenticeship development and navigating tough seasons, they explore how to invest in people, maintain strong culture, manage pressure, and balance business with life. This session offers relatable, hard‑earned insights into leading through challenges, supporting staff, and building a business that can grow without burning out its people.
2:20pm – 3:05pm, Friday 5 June
Smarter sites. Stronger futures.
Paul Webster, Twin Solutions Ltd & BraceMate Ltd and Mark Thompson, Fairfield Construction
Innovation on site often starts with simple frustrations. In this practical session, Paul Webster shares his journey from identifying an everyday problem to developing and commercialising an adjustable framing bracket, showing how builders can create efficiencies and new revenue streams. Mark Thompson brings a performance‑focused lens, discussing how moving toward high‑performance building, waste reduction and smart process has strengthened his business for the future. Together, they demonstrate how practical innovation, sustainability and smarter systems can lift margins, reduce waste and create more resilient, future‑proof businesses.
10:45am – 11:40am, Saturday 6 June
BRANZ: Industry reform and compliance clarity
Chris Litten, BRANZ
With significant regulatory reform underway, this session provides builders with practical clarity on what changes mean on the ground. Chris Litten explores compliance pathways, the use of overseas products, and how to navigate new requirements with confidence. He also unpacks emerging opportunities and challenges around granny flats, helping members understand where BRANZ’s research and guidance can support better decision‑making and compliance outcomes.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Saturday 6 June
The build that nearly broke me
Shaun Spillane, S.A.S. Builders and Wade Haldane, Renovation Works
Every builder has a project that pushed them to the edge. Shaun Spillane and Wade Haldane share the jobs, clients and staff challenges that tested their businesses – and the strategies that helped them recover stronger. This honest session covers hiring and developing the right people, managing difficult clients, protecting margins during high‑risk builds, and sustaining growth through highs and lows. Members will walk away with practical tools for building resilient teams, making better decisions under pressure, and navigating the moments that could make or break a business.
NZCB – HALO on the Couch
Malcolm Fleming, NZCB and Shaun Reilly, HALO
As liability settings shift across the sector, this session offers a clear, practical update on what proportional liability means for builders and how NZCB and HALO are working together to strengthen member protection. Malcolm Fleming and Shaun Reilly break down the real-world impact on contracts, risk exposure, deposit protection and non-completion cover, while outlining how the guarantee scheme is evolving to support both builders and homeowners. Members will gain clarity on compliance expectations, the NZCB–HALO implementation timeline, and how strong liability foundations protect business reputation and consumer confidence.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Friday 5 June
Tools down truth out
Andy Wells, Tasman Homes and Shaun & Hayden Begovich, Begovich Builders
In this candid conversation, Andy Wells and brothers Shaun and Hayden Begovich share the realities of building resilient teams and sustainable construction businesses. Drawing on years of hands‑on leadership, apprenticeship development and navigating tough seasons, they explore how to invest in people, maintain strong culture, manage pressure, and balance business with life. This session offers relatable, hard‑earned insights into leading through challenges, supporting staff, and building a business that can grow without burning out its people.
2:20pm – 3:05pm, Friday 5 June
Smarter sites. Stronger futures.
Paul Webster, Twin Solutions Ltd & BraceMate Ltd and Mark Thompson, Fairfield Construction
Innovation on site often starts with simple frustrations. In this practical session, Paul Webster shares his journey from identifying an everyday problem to developing and commercialising an adjustable framing bracket, showing how builders can create efficiencies and new revenue streams. Mark Thompson brings a performance‑focused lens, discussing how moving toward high‑performance building, waste reduction and smart process has strengthened his business for the future. Together, they demonstrate how practical innovation, sustainability and smarter systems can lift margins, reduce waste and create more resilient, future‑proof businesses.
10:45am – 11:40am, Saturday 6 June
BRANZ: Industry reform and compliance clarity
Chris Litten, BRANZ
With significant regulatory reform underway, this session provides builders with practical clarity on what changes mean on the ground. Chris Litten explores compliance pathways, the use of overseas products, and how to navigate new requirements with confidence. He also unpacks emerging opportunities and challenges around granny flats, helping members understand where BRANZ’s research and guidance can support better decision‑making and compliance outcomes.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Saturday 6 June
The build that nearly broke me
Shaun Spillane, S.A.S. Builders and Wade Haldane, Renovation Works
Every builder has a project that pushed them to the edge. Shaun Spillane and Wade Haldane share the jobs, clients and staff challenges that tested their businesses – and the strategies that helped them recover stronger. This honest session covers hiring and developing the right people, managing difficult clients, protecting margins during high‑risk builds, and sustaining growth through highs and lows. Members will walk away with practical tools for building resilient teams, making better decisions under pressure, and navigating the moments that could make or break a business.
Learning Labs
11:45am – 12:30pm, Friday 5 June
Accounting foundations (Session 1)
Mike Atkinson & Surbhi Luthra, Andersen New Zealand Limited
Running a successful building business requires more than great craftsmanship -it requires understanding the numbers that drive your decisions. In this practical Learning Lab, Mike and Surbhi break down bookkeeping basics, key financial reports, and simple cashflow practices that help builders stay in control. Designed specifically for small and growing construction businesses, the session offers clear, builder‑friendly explanations and immediate actions you can apply to strengthen financial health and reduce risk.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Friday 5 June
Getting it right with Council
Glen Kahutia Hingston, GK Building Consultancy Ltd; Joshua Alan Moore, J&J Building Consultancy and Rina Bayani, CCC Specialist
Council processes can be frustrating but understanding how they work is essential for smoother inspections, fewer delays, and reduced compliance risk. In this interactive session, Glen, Joshua and Rina bring practical insight from both the building and council sides to explain what inspectors look for, how Notices to Fix are assessed, where builders most often get caught out, and how to avoid common mistakes. From inspections to Code Compliance Certificates and exempt work, this Learning Lab equips members with the clarity and confidence to navigate compliance before issues arise.
2:20pm – 3:05pm, Friday 5 June
Building strong contracts
Kiren Narayan, Darius Shahtahmasebi & Andrea White, Martelli McKegg
A well‑structured contract is one of the strongest tools a builder has to protect their business. This session walks members through the full lifecycle of a construction contract – from choosing the right terms at the outset to negotiating variations, managing disagreements, and navigating formal dispute resolution if things escalate. With deep expertise in construction law, Kiren, Darius and Andrea offer practical guidance that helps builders avoid disputes, understand their obligations, and confidently manage challenges when they arise, ensuring both projects and relationships stay on track.
10:45am – 11:40am, Saturday 6 June
Understanding your numbers (Session 2)
Mike Atkinson, Andersen New Zealand Limited
This session builds on the foundations of Session 1, shifting the focus from day‑to‑day financial management to long‑term business strategy. Mike and Surbhi unpack tax planning, business structures, pricing models, and succession planning in a way that makes sense for builders. With real examples and practical tools, members will learn how to make confident financial decisions, prepare for future growth, and build a business with long‑term value – not just short‑term momentum.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Saturday 6 June
The Ice Box Challenge – building performance you can see
Leonard Basham, Basham Building Ltd; Joe Lyth, WEL Architecture and Julie Roberts, Head of Sustainability Mitre10
This hands‑on Learning Lab brings building performance to life through the Ice Box Challenge – an eye‑opening demonstration comparing a Building Code‑minimum structure with a genuine high‑performance build under real New Zealand conditions. Leonard, Joe and Julie use this experiment to explore overheating, insulation, airtightness, mechanical ventilation, and the impact of glazing choices. Members will see how small upgrades can dramatically improve comfort, energy efficiency and living quality, and gain practical insights they can apply directly on site to deliver warmer, drier, more efficient homes.
Accounting foundations (Session 1)
Mike Atkinson & Surbhi Luthra, Andersen New Zealand Limited
Running a successful building business requires more than great craftsmanship -it requires understanding the numbers that drive your decisions. In this practical Learning Lab, Mike and Surbhi break down bookkeeping basics, key financial reports, and simple cashflow practices that help builders stay in control. Designed specifically for small and growing construction businesses, the session offers clear, builder‑friendly explanations and immediate actions you can apply to strengthen financial health and reduce risk.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Friday 5 June
Getting it right with Council
Glen Kahutia Hingston, GK Building Consultancy Ltd; Joshua Alan Moore, J&J Building Consultancy and Rina Bayani, CCC Specialist
Council processes can be frustrating but understanding how they work is essential for smoother inspections, fewer delays, and reduced compliance risk. In this interactive session, Glen, Joshua and Rina bring practical insight from both the building and council sides to explain what inspectors look for, how Notices to Fix are assessed, where builders most often get caught out, and how to avoid common mistakes. From inspections to Code Compliance Certificates and exempt work, this Learning Lab equips members with the clarity and confidence to navigate compliance before issues arise.
2:20pm – 3:05pm, Friday 5 June
Building strong contracts
Kiren Narayan, Darius Shahtahmasebi & Andrea White, Martelli McKegg
A well‑structured contract is one of the strongest tools a builder has to protect their business. This session walks members through the full lifecycle of a construction contract – from choosing the right terms at the outset to negotiating variations, managing disagreements, and navigating formal dispute resolution if things escalate. With deep expertise in construction law, Kiren, Darius and Andrea offer practical guidance that helps builders avoid disputes, understand their obligations, and confidently manage challenges when they arise, ensuring both projects and relationships stay on track.
10:45am – 11:40am, Saturday 6 June
Understanding your numbers (Session 2)
Mike Atkinson, Andersen New Zealand Limited
This session builds on the foundations of Session 1, shifting the focus from day‑to‑day financial management to long‑term business strategy. Mike and Surbhi unpack tax planning, business structures, pricing models, and succession planning in a way that makes sense for builders. With real examples and practical tools, members will learn how to make confident financial decisions, prepare for future growth, and build a business with long‑term value – not just short‑term momentum.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Saturday 6 June
The Ice Box Challenge – building performance you can see
Leonard Basham, Basham Building Ltd; Joe Lyth, WEL Architecture and Julie Roberts, Head of Sustainability Mitre10
This hands‑on Learning Lab brings building performance to life through the Ice Box Challenge – an eye‑opening demonstration comparing a Building Code‑minimum structure with a genuine high‑performance build under real New Zealand conditions. Leonard, Joe and Julie use this experiment to explore overheating, insulation, airtightness, mechanical ventilation, and the impact of glazing choices. Members will see how small upgrades can dramatically improve comfort, energy efficiency and living quality, and gain practical insights they can apply directly on site to deliver warmer, drier, more efficient homes.
Deep Dives
11:45am – 12:30pm, Friday 5 June
Level thresholds, zero compromise: smarter decking for modern builds
Viking Roofspec
Creating seamless indoor–outdoor flow is one of the biggest design challenges facing builders today – especially when compliance, drainage and waterproofing requirements feel like they’re working against you. In this practical Deep Dive, Viking Roofspec demystifies floating deck systems and shows how adjustable pedestal technology can deliver flush thresholds without sacrificing performance or compromising the Building Code. Shayne will walk through system benefits, design applications, drainage advantages, and ways to reduce rework on site. If you want to achieve clean, modern finishes while staying compliant and efficient, this session gives you a smarter way to build.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Friday 5 June
What to expect when you’re expecting…. WorkSafe
Allan Dittmer, H&S Senior Advisor, Hazard Co
WorkSafe visits don’t need to be stressful. In this straight‑talking session, Allan Dittmer breaks down exactly what inspectors look for, common compliance pitfalls, and how builders can confidently demonstrate safe systems of work. You’ll gain practical tools for preparing your site, supporting your team, and responding professionally during an inspection—plus an update on upcoming legislative changes and what they’ll mean in real terms. With Allan’s extensive background across high‑hazard industries, this Deep Dive turns health and safety from a headache into a manageable, structured part of your business.
10:45am – 11:40am, Saturday 6 June
Hardwood that works harder: sustainable, high‑performance timber for modern builds
Martin Thompson, LMA Timber
Australian hardwoods offer strength, sustainability and versatility – yet many builders still underuse them or struggle to identify the right products for the right applications. This Deep Dive uncovers the carbon benefits of hardwood, how to source responsibly, and why choosing the correct classifications matters for cladding, decking, flooring and structural components. Martin Thompson also explains FSC vs PEFC certification, circular economy principles and how to avoid rainforest‑sourced timbers. If you want to expand your material options and make smarter, future‑focused timber decisions, this session provides clear guidance you can put into practice immediately.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Saturday 6 June
Recovery at work: keeping your team safe, supported and back on the tools sooner
Sue McMaster, ACC
When injuries happen, the way a business responds can make all the difference – to the worker, the team, and the bottom line. In this practical, employer‑focused Deep Dive, ACC shares proven strategies for integrating recovery at work into your business, supporting injured workers to stay connected, and using alternative duties effectively. You’ll learn how to build strong internal processes, engage with medical providers, identify a recovery champion, and understand the Experience Rating programme and how it affects your levy. With construction leading the country in injury claims, this session gives builders the tools to improve wellbeing, reduce downtime, retain skilled staff and strengthen overall safety performance.
Level thresholds, zero compromise: smarter decking for modern builds
Viking Roofspec
Creating seamless indoor–outdoor flow is one of the biggest design challenges facing builders today – especially when compliance, drainage and waterproofing requirements feel like they’re working against you. In this practical Deep Dive, Viking Roofspec demystifies floating deck systems and shows how adjustable pedestal technology can deliver flush thresholds without sacrificing performance or compromising the Building Code. Shayne will walk through system benefits, design applications, drainage advantages, and ways to reduce rework on site. If you want to achieve clean, modern finishes while staying compliant and efficient, this session gives you a smarter way to build.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Friday 5 June
What to expect when you’re expecting…. WorkSafe
Allan Dittmer, H&S Senior Advisor, Hazard Co
WorkSafe visits don’t need to be stressful. In this straight‑talking session, Allan Dittmer breaks down exactly what inspectors look for, common compliance pitfalls, and how builders can confidently demonstrate safe systems of work. You’ll gain practical tools for preparing your site, supporting your team, and responding professionally during an inspection—plus an update on upcoming legislative changes and what they’ll mean in real terms. With Allan’s extensive background across high‑hazard industries, this Deep Dive turns health and safety from a headache into a manageable, structured part of your business.
10:45am – 11:40am, Saturday 6 June
Hardwood that works harder: sustainable, high‑performance timber for modern builds
Martin Thompson, LMA Timber
Australian hardwoods offer strength, sustainability and versatility – yet many builders still underuse them or struggle to identify the right products for the right applications. This Deep Dive uncovers the carbon benefits of hardwood, how to source responsibly, and why choosing the correct classifications matters for cladding, decking, flooring and structural components. Martin Thompson also explains FSC vs PEFC certification, circular economy principles and how to avoid rainforest‑sourced timbers. If you want to expand your material options and make smarter, future‑focused timber decisions, this session provides clear guidance you can put into practice immediately.
1:30pm – 2:15pm, Saturday 6 June
Recovery at work: keeping your team safe, supported and back on the tools sooner
Sue McMaster, ACC
When injuries happen, the way a business responds can make all the difference – to the worker, the team, and the bottom line. In this practical, employer‑focused Deep Dive, ACC shares proven strategies for integrating recovery at work into your business, supporting injured workers to stay connected, and using alternative duties effectively. You’ll learn how to build strong internal processes, engage with medical providers, identify a recovery champion, and understand the Experience Rating programme and how it affects your levy. With construction leading the country in injury claims, this session gives builders the tools to improve wellbeing, reduce downtime, retain skilled staff and strengthen overall safety performance.
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