Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business

• Ep 87 – Mental fitness in construction: Rafael Caso on building habits for a healthier, happier life

  In this episode of the MB Elevate Podcast, Rafael Caso from Live Well, Build Well joins Ryan Castle to share a fresh, practical take on mental fitness in construction. Rafael’s journey from site manager to wellbeing advocate has led to a nationwide movement focused on prevention, not crisis response. He introduces five simple foundations for mental fitness: sleep, intention, energy, switching off, and social connection – each designed to help tradies move from just coping to genuinely thriving.The conversation highlights how Live Well, Build Well empowers builders to lead their own wellbeing journeys, with peer-led stories, free digital resources, and onsite toolbox talks. With support from partners like Site Safe, the program makes it easy for people across the industry to take small, powerful steps to improve their mental health and support their mates while they’re at it.Useful links:livewellbuildwell.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@LiveWellBuildWellInstagramFacebookSite Safe NZ – Mental Fitness Module (coming soon)Connect with Rafael Caso on LinkedIn or [email protected] else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

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• EP 86 – Chief's Chat: A new year, a new outlook for the building sector

  In this episode of the MB Elevate Podcast, Ankit Sharma joins the Chief’s Chat to discuss key industry insights and Master Builders NZ’s initiatives for 2025. With stabilising housing prices, lower building cost inflation, and expected interest rate reductions, optimism is returning to the sector. The conversation explores the growing shift towards multi-unit home developments, driven by affordability and changing lifestyle preferences, alongside government policies shaping the future of construction.Ankit also highlights Master Builders’ commitment to financial resilience, including the launch of a voluntary financial rating program in partnership with Credit Works. The discussion covers upcoming government initiatives, such as consenting reforms, and Master Builders’ regional focus to better support members nationwide. As the industry moves from a downturn towards recovery, the focus remains on helping builders not just construct better homes but also build smarter businesses.Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

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• Ep 85 - New lease of life: award-winning historic home renovation

  In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Wendy and Bernard Hilhorst share the story behind their award-winning restoration of a historic 1920s Arts and Crafts-style home in Cambridge. Collaborating with G.D. Pringle Building, they undertook a stunning transformation that modernized the home while preserving its original charm. The renovation featured updates like retrofitted double glazing, recycled materials, and improved indoor-outdoor flow, earning accolades in the 2024 House of the Year competition, including National Category Winner and Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year.Join us as Wendy and Bernard reflect on the joys and challenges of working with a heritage property, the craftsmanship that brought their vision to life, and what these prestigious awards mean to them.Useful links:House of the YearMaster Builders Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

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• EP 84 - Clause H1 unpacked: insights on New Zealand's Building Code updates with Dr. Chris Litten

  In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Litten, General Manager of Research at BRANZ, to unpack the recent changes to Clause H1 of New Zealand’s Building Code. Dr. Litten dives into the new energy efficiency standards, detailing updates in insulation, thermal performance, and ventilation requirements, and the practical challenges these pose for builders.We explore how BRANZ is supporting the industry through this transition, including resources like the House Insulation Guide, which provide guidance on achieving compliance without inflating costs. Chris shares insights on why maintaining insulation standards is essential to New Zealand’s climate goals and how design plays a critical role in creating energy-efficient, comfortable homes.Tune in to discover how these changes to Clause H1 are shaping the future of New Zealand’s building industry, aligning it with sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people living in these spaces.Useful links:BRANZ H1 Energy efficiency supportBRANZ eLearning modulesFree 20-minute module on H1Previous BRANZ webinarsFree webinars on H1:H1 FloorH1 RoofsH1 - Calculation methodH1 - Windows, doors and skylightsBRANZ House Insulation Guide 6th editionBRANZ LinkedInBRANZ FacebookBRANZ InstagramWhere else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

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• EP 83 – Insights from Constructive 2024 with Ankit Sharma

  In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ryan Castle is joined by Ankit Khandwala to discuss key takeaways from Constructive 2024, focusing on the current state and future of New Zealand’s construction sector. Ankit shares insights on the challenges the industry faces, including economic pressures, pipeline issues, and interest rates, but emphasizes the sector's long-term positive outlook driven by housing and infrastructure demand.The conversation explores critical topics such as the importance of innovation, the necessity for strategic workforce planning, and the industry's need to prepare for the upcoming recovery. Ankit also highlights the results of the State of the Sector survey, which points to confidence and access to finance as pivotal factors for the industry's growth. The discussion touches on the importance of communication and workforce retention during uncertain times.Additionally, Ankit delves into the potential benefits of a national consenting system and the role of AI in streamlining processes. He emphasises the need for New Zealand to embrace innovation and reduce regulatory barriers to create faster, more efficient, and sustainable building practices.Useful linksConnect with Ankit on his LinkedInConstructive 2024Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

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