| 101 Rhino Build BUILDING T T Russell Fredric Excelling in culture of quality workmanship Much of its recent work has centred around the fast-growing Marsden Cove and One Tree Point area. www.aboveboard i nter i ors .co.nz RESIDENTIAL FIXUPS • SMALL COMMERCIAL PROJECTS • NEW HOME BUILDS RENOVATIONS • INSURANCE WORK • COMMERCIAL FITOUTS & REFURBISHMENT FIRE PROTECTION • PLASTERBOARD FIXING • INTERIOR PLASTERING • PAINTING 021446716 CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE COMPREHENSIVE PLASTERBOARD FIXING STOPPING AND PAINTING SERVICES IN AUCKLAND & MANGAWHAI Akarana Timbers built its reputation on taking pride in delivering top quality services across the Northland market, supplying a wide range of products as listed below: NEED HELP WITH A PROJECT? CONTACT US • Frame and Truss Manufacturing • Building and Landscaping Supplies • Hardware • Roofing and Spouting • Reinforcing steel and mesh • Pole Shed / Farm Fencing 09 929 9608 | sales@akaranatimbers.co.nz 66 Waiwarawara Drive, Marsden Business Park, Ruakaka Jaiden Radcliffe’s third placing at this year’s New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge has highlighted the mentoring culture driving One Tree Point company Rhino Build. The apprentice builder placed third in the Northland regional heat of the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge after tackling an intensive eight-hour practical build competition against six other competitors. Rhino Build owner Ryan Anderson says the result reflected the preparation apprentices put in before competition day. “They had to build what’s called a pātaka, which is like a sharing shed [storehouse]. They got the plans a week or two beforehand and we paid for materials so the boys could have a practice run each.” The challenge required competitors to complete a detailed timber structure featuring angled roofing, cladding, flashings and precision joinery under strict time pressure. Apprentices also had to calculate several measurements themselves rather than relying solely on plans. “There were halving joints, angled cuts and lots of little subtleties. For somebody new to the trade there’s a lot of thinking involved.” Ryan says one of the biggest learnings from the competition is developing the ability to work independently under pressure. “They’ve got us to fall back on every day at work, but in the competition they had to think on their own. The pressure was good for them because that’s basically what my day looks like every day.” While Jaiden was competing for the first time, Rhino Build has already built a strong reputation for apprentice development. Another apprentice from the company, Brackham Wyatt, won the Whangārei regional event last year. Ryan credits much of that culture to one of Rhino Build’s senior tradesmen, Josh Welsh, who previously won the national NZCB Apprentice Challenge title himself. “He’s very invested in the boys’ learning because it’s something that’s dear to him. I learned from my father, who was a very good teacher, and I want the apprentices to do well because if they do well, my business does well.” Rhino Build comprises Ryan, wife Kellee Anderson, and five tradesmen, with the company handling new homes, renovations and smaller commercial projects across Northland. Much of its recent work has centred around the fast-growing Marsden Cove and One Tree Point area. The company has increasingly become known for high-spec coastal homes, including large marina-front projects featuring curved architectural detailing, expansive glazing and resort-style layouts. One recently completed Marsden Cove home measured 618sqm and evolved significantly during construction as clients refined the design. “We’re a really connected team. There’s good cohesion between us all and we think along the same lines, which is imperative when you’re trying to achieve high-level work.” “We’re open to evolving along the way if our clients have new ideas, as often these will surface as the project takes shape. We’ll pitch different ideas too if we think something might work better.” “We like doing open-book projects because clients can change their minds as we go. We’ll throw different ideas at them too if we think something might work better.” Strong relationships within the NZCB network have also played an important role in Rhino Build’s growth since joining the organisation. Rather than viewing other builders as direct competitors, many NZCB members work collaboratively to improve standards across the industry. “We help each other out. We’re all trying to make the industry better and they’re just a good bunch of guys.” Membership also allows Rhino Build to offer the NZCB Halo Guarantee to clients, providing additional peace of mind through a 10-year residential building guarantee. Despite a softer construction market across Northland, Ryan believes Rhino Build’s team culture and focus on quality workmanship continue to position the business well for the future. “We’re a really connected team. There’s good cohesion between us all and we think along the same lines, which is imperative when you’re trying to achieve high-level work.”
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