"Not a lot of companies would let an apprentice do a whole job by themselves," he says.
"They have a lot of trust in me - I'm grateful for that."
His prize was a $750 Prezzy Card and a $250 petrol voucher.
"I definitely plan to enter the awards again," he says.
Mr Hunter has always had an interest in making things with wood - even when he attended St Patrick's Catholic School in Te Awamutu.
He then went on to learn valuable skills from woodworking classes at Sacred Heart College in Auckland.
Those skills set him on his career path, which saw him start working at Personal Touch Kitchens.
Production manager Eric Prole says the company is very proud of Mr Hunter's achievement.
"Conor came to Personal Touch Kitchens two and a half years ago and is now in his second year as an apprentice cabinetmaker."
"It has been his passion, enthusiasm and desire to achieve that has seen him excel as an apprentice and this, combined with his cheeky sense of humour, makes him an integral member of the Personal Touch Kitchens team."
"With his positive, can-do attitude, you just know that he is going to be one of those guys that is going to succeed in life. We are fortunate to be able to play a part in that."
The awards were held recently at the Wairakei Resort in Taupo in conjunction with the New Zealand Master Joiner Conference.
They are the largest industry awards of their kind in the country and promote excellence in joinery design and craftsmanship, encourage the use of sustainable timbers and showcase the finest work from the industry.
Judging criteria includes design, workmanship, innovative use of materials, complexity of project, and visual appeal.
