Jack McFarlane of Steve Mowat Building and Construction in Dunedin has been named the Southern 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year. Second place went to Matt Kuriger of Breen Construction, Alexandra, while Matthias Caudy of Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build in Cromwell was placed third. All three apprentices were trained through the BCITO.
McFarlane impressed the judges with his genuine passion for the industry, strong technical knowledge and clear understanding of his church build. He confidently explained his significant involvement across several stages of the project, including hanging doors, concrete work and steelwork.
His thorough site walkthrough, strategic planning, time management, and tool skills further demonstrated his capability, and made him a deserving regional winner.
Now in its twenty-third year, the Apprentice of the Year competition, delivered in partnership with CARTERS, is New Zealand’s leading competition for construction apprentices. It recognises and celebrates apprentices who are building strong skills and showing promise as the next generation of industry leaders.
Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma says the competition provides an important opportunity to recognise apprentices who are building strong foundations for their careers.
“As our sector continues to evolve, skilled apprentices remain at the heart of delivering the high-quality homes and buildings New Zealand needs,” Sharma says.
“Apprentice of the Year gives emerging builders the chance to demonstrate not only their practical ability, but also the professionalism, knowledge and leadership they are developing throughout their training.
“It is encouraging to see such strong talent coming through the industry, and the standard displayed throughout this year’s competition gives us real confidence in the next generation of builders and our future industry leaders.”
Across New Zealand, 95 apprentices from nine regions took part in the 2026 regional competition. Each apprentice submitted a detailed overview of a building project they were working on before completing a two-hour practical challenge, which required them to build a project box revealed only on the morning of the competition.
The top 10 regional competitors were then interviewed by a judging panel and assessed during an on-site visit to their project, where they were tested on their technical understanding, communication, project involvement and wider industry knowledge.
The leading apprentice from each region will now progress to the national competition, which includes a 45-minute interview with a national judging panel, and an intensive six-hour practical challenge. The national competition will take place on October 7-9, 2026, at The Cloud in Auckland.
All regional winners will have the opportunity to attend a 16-day Outward Bound course, receive a ticket to the National House of the Year gala event including travel and accommodation, and a place at the National Final.
The national winner will receive a CARTERS Career Advancement Grant, and the use of a brand-new ute for one year, courtesy of CARTERS.
Master Builders 2026 Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS
Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS, is New Zealand’s leading national competition for carpentry apprentices, and aims to recognise excellence and raise awareness of career opportunities in the construction industry. It’s a competition that looks to test several aspects of a well-rounded apprentice, not just your skills on the tools.
Master Builders extends its sincere thanks to its principal partner CARTERS, event partners BCITO and Builders Academy, and regional sponsor ACC, for their support in making the competition a success.
Judges’ comments
1st Place: Jack McFarlane (Steve Mowat Building and Construction)
Jack’s submission and interview demonstrated his genuine passion for the industry, strong technical knowledge, and an excellent understanding of his project. What strongly impressed the judges was how he spoke confidently about the impressive church build, and clearly explained his significant involvement across many stages, including hanging doors, concrete work and steelwork.
Presenting a completed project while people are occupying the units required considerable planning, yet he delivered a thorough and engaging walkthrough.
The judges were impressed by the exceptional amount of work he had undertaken and his technical explanations of distinctive features, including the retained original trusses and large round window. It was clear this was no ordinary build, and Jack’s knowledge did it justice.
He carried this considered approach into the practical challenge, where his planning, excellent time management and impressive hand-tool skills helped him complete the project to a high standard.
Jack is an exceptionally promising builder and a deserving regional winner. Congratulations, Jack.
2nd Place: Matt Kuriger (Breen Construction)
Matt’s well-rounded submission showcased strong technical knowledge and a clear understanding of his project. During the interview, he communicated confidently and demonstrated excellent industry knowledge.
When faced with questions he could not initially answer, he took the initiative to research them and report back during the site visit, reflecting his commitment to learning and professional growth.
He led an impressive site visit around a challenging bridge reconstruction project, clearly explaining the construction process and his involvement in the work. His comprehensive health and safety induction, leadership and professionalism particularly impressed the judges.
In the practical challenge, he worked confidently, maintained a clean and safe workspace, and managed his time effectively to complete the project. His knowledge and capability make him a highly accomplished apprentice. Great work, Matt.
3rd Place: Matthias Caudy (Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build)
Matthias approached every stage of the competition with maturity and professionalism. During the interview, he demonstrated an impressive command of building terminology and industry language, while his thoughtful advice to a new apprentice highlighted his strong commitment to health and safety and genuine care for those around him.
His site visit also showed sound knowledge of the Building Code, and significant involvement in the installation of the studio’s frames and trusses.
In the practical challenge, Matthias impressed with his careful planning and excellent tool skills. He maintained a tidy workspace, checked his measurements throughout, and took time to sand the components before assembling the project, resulting in a high-quality finish.
His technical ability, leadership potential and considered approach give him a strong future in the industry. Well done, Matthias.
