Tauranga building apprentice Cameron Diack has won the regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Carpentry Apprentice Challenge.

Diack, who is apprenticed to Jones Builders, had eight hours to construct a 1.5-metre high children's castle playhouse, with turret and working drawbridge.

His first place won him a Makita power tool sponsored by Mount ITM, who also provided the materials for the challenge.

James Irvine, apprenticed to Paul James Builders Ltd came in second, and Cameron McCaskie, apprenticed to Proform Homes in third place.

The competitors were judged on things such as accuracy, completion and finish within a strict marking guide.

Brian Dillon, Faculty Leader Trades and Logistics at Toi Ohomai says the competition is an excellent experience, and a rare chance for apprentices to compete against their peers.

'They don't always get that chance on site, where they are often under the direction of their employer or supervisor, and the competitive aspect adds a bit of excitement too.

'This is the eighth year that Toi Ohomai has been a part of this competition and we're thrilled to be hosting the regionals this year. There's some outstanding work from these young builders on display.”

The competition was held in 17 regions throughout New Zealand, and was open to apprentices employed by current NZCB builders or enrolled with ITAB.

Diack will now go on to represent Tauranga in the national final in Rotorua in May, where he will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Read Trophy and a chance to win a $50,000 prize pack.

The playhouses will be donated to local community groups.