Eight carpentry apprentices from across the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay will go head-to-head in Tauranga this weekend as part of New Zealand’s leading trades competition.

The 2026 Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year regional practical challenge will be held at Carters Tauranga on Saturday, with competitors tasked with completing a live, timed build under pressure.

The apprentices will have two hours to complete the project, which will be revealed on the morning, testing their planning, accuracy, safety and workmanship.

The regional event is one of nine being held nationwide on the same day, forming part of the annual Apprentice of the Year competition run by Master Builders in partnership with building supplies firm Carters.

The programme is widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier carpentry apprentice competition, designed to test real-world skills and highlight emerging talent in the construction sector.

Last year’s Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay regional competition was won by Caleb Stuart, with Richard Murray and Georgia Rendall placing second and third, respectively. Entrants were required to submit a detailed project overview before completing a practical build component.

Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said the competition played a key role in recognising the next generation of builders.

“Apprentice of the Year is an important opportunity to recognise the emerging talent coming through our industry.

“These apprentices are not only learning a trade; they are building the skills, discipline and professionalism that New Zealand will rely on for decades to come.”

He said the practical challenge was designed to test how competitors performed in live conditions.

“It shows how apprentices plan, problem-solve, work under pressure and take pride in the quality of the finished result.”

Master Builders national president Kieran Mallon said the regional competition also highlighted the contribution apprentices were making locally.

“Bay of Plenty apprentices are helping meet the needs of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions.

“This competition recognises their commitment to learning their trade and provides an opportunity to benchmark themselves against their peers.”

Across the country, dozens of apprentices will compete for a place in the national final, progressing through written submissions, practical builds and interviews.

After the regional practical challenges, the top apprentices will advance to site visits and interviews with judges before the regional winners are named later this winter.

The Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay winners will be announced at the regional awards on August 28, before the top apprentice represents the region at the national final in Auckland from October 7 to 9.

Regional winners will receive prize packages including Carters credit and development opportunities, while the national winner will take home a career advancement grant and the use of a new ute for a year.

More information about the competition is available at Apprentice of the Year.