NZCB Apprentice Challenge 2026: Hamilton apprentice Pascal Gisler wins Waikato heat

Hamiltonian Pascal Gisler, 22 (centre), won the Waikato regional heat of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, followed by Cullen Whiteman (second from right), 21, and Josh Tretheway (second from left), 21, in third place.

Twelve building apprentices went head to head in the Waikato regional heat of the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

Hamiltonian Pascal Gisler, 22, came out on top, followed by Cullen Whiteman, 21, and Josh Tretheway, 21, in third place.

Apprentices tested their carpentry skills in an eight-hour build of a pātaka (community sharing cupboard), which was judged on craftsmanship, attention to detail, time management and the ability to perform under pressure.

Each apprentice donated their completed pātaka to a recipient in their community, to be used for items like toys, books and food supplies.

Gisler, of Grant Family Homes, said winning caught him off guard.

“It was pretty surreal. Looking at everyone else’s work, I thought I’d flunked it, so I was pretty surprised when they said my name.

“I was also blown away by the support I had on the sidelines. Every time I looked up, I saw more familiar faces.”

He said he had studied the plans a lot before the competition.

“The most challenging part of the build was probably the half lap joints, but also the most rewarding.”

Gisler won a $1000 prize package, courtesy of Mitre 10 Trade and Makita.

He will now advance to the NZCB Apprentice Challenge national final in June.

NZCB Waikato president Shaun Begovich said building for eight hours straight was tough.

“Doing it in public, under pressure, with employers, colleagues and family watching, that’s a true test of skill, focus and resilience.

“We’ve seen an exceptional pool of talent this year, pointing to a very bright future for the industry.”

NZCB chief executive Malcolm Fleming said the apprentice challenge was a pivotal milestone early on in the careers of young builders.

“We’ve got apprentices here who show real potential to lead the industry as trade-qualified, certified builders.

At the challenge, apprentices were judged on craftsmanship, attention to detail, time management and the ability to perform under pressure.

“Against the backdrop of a difficult few years in the sector, the challenge is a reminder that ... we must keep investing in our apprentices.”

The Waikato heat, held at Mitre 10 Mega Te Rapa on Saturday, was part of several regional heats on the same day around New Zealand.

The national final will take place at the NZCB annual conference on June 5-6 in Auckland, where finalists will compete in a final hour-long build and presentation to hundreds of leaders in the trade.

The overall winner will take home a $10,000 prize package, thanks to Mitre 10 Trade, and the winning title as the country’s best apprentice.