A Nelson apprentice who moved from the Philippines just three years ago has taken top honours in the Nelson heat of the 2026 New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge and will now compete in the national finals in Auckland this June.
Jezz Bayate, 37, was named the winner at the regional competition on Friday, finishing ahead of Benjamin McComb, 18, in second place and Brodie Collins, 23, in third.
Now based in Nelson with his wife and their eight-year-old son, Jezz secured victory in the 16th annual challenge after completing a pātaka, or community sharing cupboard, during an intensive eight-hour build.
Apprentices competed head-to-head in a public setting, with judges assessing workmanship, joint accuracy, material efficiency, safe work practices and the ability to follow a detailed plan.
Jezz, a BCITO apprentice, says the win came as a surprise.
“I didn't expect to win, but it feels good. It was challenging. I already screwed all the framing and realised the ply wasn’t going to fit inside, so I had to remove the screws from the top to get it in – but there was plenty of time, no worries.”
He says his biggest supporters were cheering him on throughout the day.
“I had my wife and eight-year-old son on the sidelines all day, and I’ll be donating my pātaka to the school my son attends, Victory Primary School.”
Jezz received a $1,000 prize package and will now represent Nelson at the national finals in Auckland from 5-6 June where finalists will compete for the title of New Zealand’s top apprentice and a $10,000 prize.
NZCB chief executive Malcolm Fleming says the event helps build confidence among emerging builders and can be a pivotal milestone early in their careers.
“We've got apprentices here who show real potential to lead the industry as trade-qualified, certified builders. Against the backdrop of a difficult few years in the sector, the challenge is a reminder that the industry has a bright future and that we must keep investing in our apprentices.”
BCITO chief executive Jason Hungerford, an event partner, says the challenge highlights the real-world impact of the effort put in by both employers and apprentices.
“The challenge gives apprentices the chance to test their skills, sharpen their craft, and stand out in the industry. It also reflects the dedication of the employers, training advisors, and whānau who have put time and resources into developing the next generation of tradespeople.
“Many of our BCITO apprentices were encouraged to participate in the challenge by their employers, and we're excited to see now what all the participants will do with that opportunity.”
