88 | BUILDING R2 Design & Build Built on Precision. Backed by Experience. office@r2developments.co.nz www.r2designandbuild.co.nz Shaun +64 27 530 5875 Jarvis +64 27 958 0859 GET IN TOUCH Del i ver ing qual i ty const ruct ion across the Wai kato. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, upgrading your laundry, or customizing your van, our experienced team is here to help. Waikato’s Trusted Cabinetry Experts C H C A B I N E T R Y D E S I G N - M A N U FA C T U R E - I N S T A L L A T I O N chcabinetry@hotmail.com 021 238 6672 chcabinetry.co.nz Doing their company proud T T Anne Boswell Strive for more than the ordinary is more than just a motto at R2 Design & Build – it is a philosophy that is impressed upon every member of the team, and one that was embraced by apprentices, Josh Mellar and Cullen Whiteman, when they took on the 2026 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge. The annual competition is one of the country’s premier events for apprentice builders, bringing together emerging talent from across New Zealand in a demanding, eight-hour practical challenge. This year, competitors were asked to construct a pātaka, or community sharing cupboard, with judges assessing everything from workmanship and joint accuracy to material efficiency, safe working practices and the ability to follow detailed plans. Josh and Cullen both produced outstanding results in the Waikato regional competition, though for R2 Design & Build directors, Shaun Rumbles and Jarvis Rapana, simply seeing their apprentices compete was already a significant achievement. “Stepping into a national competition takes courage, skill and commitment,” Shaun says. “It’s fair to say we are proud of both of these young builders. Their dedication, attitude and willingness to push themselves is exactly what this industry needs. R2 is very lucky to have Josh and Cullen as two of our apprentices.” Quality across the board The company prides itself on going above and beyond for its clients. T T Karen Phelps Walker Developments From commercial upgrades and public infrastructure to residential renovations, Walker Developments has built a reputation for delivering quality construction projects that make a lasting difference to communities across Auckland. Project manager Rob Seymour says the company prides itself on going above and beyond for its clients and never losing sight of the people who will ultimately use the finished project. “We’re happy to go the extra mile and, importantly, the end user because most of our work is on projects the general public will use,” says Rob. That focus was highlighted recently with the completion of the Deep Creek Reserve upgrade, where Walker Developments transformed a worn grass track into a concrete footpath and steps, making the route safer and more accessible. “There was one elderly man who struggled to walk his dog there every day and the team onsite would give him a bit of a hand up the hill. After the project was completed, he could walk up there by himself, so that was pretty rewarding,” says Rob. The project reflects the wider role the company plays in improving public spaces that people rely on every day. Among its recently completed projects is the refurbishment of the Freemans Bay Community Centre, where it worked alongside the facility manager to repaint the interior and exterior, install new flooring, upgrade the bathrooms and groundfloor kitchen, replace curtains and fit a new stage curtain in the auditorium. It has also completed upgrades to sections of the Westhaven Marina waterfront boardwalk and public toilets and has recently completed residential renovations for private homeowners. Established in 2010 by owner Andrew Walker, the New Zealand-owned company has grown from a small team of builders into a business employing more than 30 specialist project managers, construction professionals and civil works experts. Its expertise spans commercial construction, structural and seismic upgrades, planned and reactive maintenance, light civil works, landscaping, residential renovations and deconstruction. Sustainability and safety also remain central to the business. It promotes responsible use of materials, reducing waste wherever possible and incorporating environmentally conscious construction practices into its work The company is a member of New Zealand Certified Builders and has pre-qualifications including +IMPAC Prequal, Tōtika and Site Safe. Cullen delivered an outstanding performance to finish second in the Waikato regional competition, an achievement Shaun describes as a reflection of the hard work he brings to work every day. Cullen has also been recognised as Builders Academy’s top Waikato apprentice as he was the only apprentice from the training provider to finish inside the regional top three. Josh also impressed in a highly competitive field. As one of only five apprentices to successfully complete the project within the allotted time, Josh earned a place in the top five – an accomplishment in itself. “Proud is an understatement,” Shaun says. “It’s hard to put yourself out of your comfort zone and do something you’’ve never done before. The boys had myself or the foreman there if they needed support, but I admire their courage and how they pushed through the hard moments of the competition.” That positive attitude is something both apprentices have demonstrated beyond competition day. Shaun describes Josh and Cullen as “characters” around the building site, bringing humour and plenty of banter to the team. This positive but professional attitude is what R2 Design & Build encompasses. The company, which brings together more than 24 years of combined building experience, has earned a reputation for quality workmanship across custom homes, multi-unit developments, renovations, commercial fit-outs and project management. R2 Design & Build has earned a reputation for quality workmanship. The electrical company you can trust. Residential, Commercial & Industrial Electrical Services GET IN TOUCH www.stselectrical.co.nz 09 817 7618 concrete & paving bydesign Your Design, By Design CALL US TODAY 09 869 4168 EMAIL quote@bydesignconcrete.co.nz VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.bydesignconcrete.co.nz FREE QUOTE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Retaining Walls Paving Concrete Permeable Concrete OUR SERVICES
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