94 | Supporting next era of builders T P Builders has made a name building homes of distinction, particularly on the North Shore. T P Builders BUILDING Sue Russell At any given time, typically north-shore business T P Builders will have 3 or 4 substantial new builds or renovations underway and for Tony Pexton and the team having been involved in building some 35 years, has solidified the company’s place as a builder of choice. “Over the years we have certainly done a lot of work on the North Shore and we’re definitely seen as the local builder here, but we also build a number of projects in the central suburbs” Tony says. Tony’s engagement with the residential building sector doesn’t end with running a successful company. He has also served the sector as President of Auckland Master Builders, House of the Year Judge since 2015 and in 2020/2021 and 2022, as one of two National Builder Judges. “In that role we were given the honour of choosing the ultimate winners of the National House of the Year competition after judging the top 100 throughout New Zealand.” Being involved in judging doesn’t mean always looking at the luxury end of the building scale, in fact Tony says, he’s been astounded with the amazing talent that sits behind many smaller, more modest builds. Tony has also been involved in judging upcoming apprentices in the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year awards as a regional practical judge and scrutineer so he understands the level of passion and skill these next generation builders possess. Nothing could be more true than in the case of one of his own apprentices, Paulo Oliveira who moved to this country about five years ago with his partner from Brazil, with no building history. At this year’s national Apprentice of the Year competition Paulo was named runner-up, having been awarded the Northern Region Apprentice of the Year title earlier this year. “I can’t speak highly enough of Paulo. To arrive in a new country speaking no English and take up a new lifestyle and start a new career reflects on the quality of the man. He is an exceptional builder and I’m thrilled to have him on the team and also have him and his fiance Carla as friends.” Part of the judging process involved completing a practical project, in this case, building a rocket ship play house from scratch in front of cheering supporters and children from some of the early childhood centres chosen to receive the end product. “I was there to watch the contestants in action and the standard of workmanship was exceptionally high and to think they were also working under time constraints is even more amazing. We are all so very proud of what Paulo achieved. He’s a fine example of the qualities that go into making a great builder.” Asked his thoughts at this time with a shifting housing market impacted by labour and materials supply and cost challenges, Tony thinks there will be some tough times ahead, particularly for the volume housing companies. “I know we are going to be ok through the next few years as the market adjusts with demand impacted by higher interest rates. We have a large number of repeat clients.” When Business North spoke with Tony projects were scattered over several Auckland suburbs and included a $1million renovation in Birkenhead, starting the foundation work on a $5million house in Glendowie and working on an old villa also in Birkenhead Point. Tony says he and his team of experienced builders are committed to supporting the next generation of builders to achieve great things. “Of course, the apprenticeship pathway is all changing with organisations such as BCITO all merging under one umbrella, Te Pukenga, and I hope it is all going to go well. Certainly the standard of trainer I’ve engaged with these past few years from BCITO has been very good.” While on a day-to-day basis Tony’s time is invested in ensuring the work comes through the door by nurturing client relationships and ensuring the team have what they need in place to work effectively and to the highest standards, he also commits time to Master Builder governance, as a National Board Director. “It’s an organisation representing thousands of builders and we’re about ensuring through policy, lobbying and engagement with other construction and government organisations, that our members and homeowners get the very best representation and service from us and that Master Builders continue to be the leading construction industry organisation in NZ.” Tony thinks that the Apprentice of the Year competition is an incredibly healthy thing for those coming into building to have a go at. After all, these young ladies and men are the future of this great industry. “It gives them the opportunity to step up and show what they are capable of. It’s great for their confidence. In the case of Paulo he’s a very humble person but very driven. “He’s so appreciative of anything you do for him. He said to me, in all seriousness, that when I offered him an apprenticeship that he would make something of it and win the regional competition and that’s just what he did.” “It gives them the opportunity to step up and show what they are capable of.” Apprentice of Year, from left, Griff Nicol, Paulo Oliveira and Tony Pexton. 0508 PLUMBER (758 623) | 022 135 0933 | www.paragonplumbing.co.nz Plumbing and gas are key parts of a good home. Make sure yours are safe and reliable with Paragon Plumbing p l umb i n g a n d g a s f i t t i n g
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