NZCB Apprentice Challenge 2026: Regional Heats at Mitre 10 Trade
4 March 2026
Support the Next Generation of Builders
On Saturday 18 April, apprentices across the country will compete on the same day, building the same project within just eight hours. This is where the next generation of construction talent proves what they’re made of — and you’re invited to be part of it.
- Date: Saturday 18 April 2026
- Where: Mitre 10 Trade locations across the country, see list below
- Time: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
On the day, apprentices will have eight hours to put their skills to the test, racing against the clock to construct a pātaka (community sharing cupboard)
Designed to hold books, toys or food, the completed pātaka will be donated to local organisations selected by each apprentice, leaving a tangible resource for their community.
Come and watch the action
Join us for a full day of action and cheer on the next generation of construction talent in your region. Apprentices will be racing to complete their build between 8am to 4:30pm, with prize giving taking place from 5pm and the event wrapping up at 5:30pm.
- Auckland - Mitre 10 Mega Westgate - 95A Northside Drive
- Canterbury - Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead - 1005 Ferry Road
- Central Otago - Mitre 10 MEGA Wanaka - 100 Sir Tim Wallis Drive
- Gisborne - Mitre 10 Gisborne - 24 Derby Street
- Hawkes Bay - Mitre 10 MEGA Hastings Distribution Centre - 46 Whakatu Road, Whakatu
- Manawatu - Mitre 10 MEGA Palmerston North Trade Distribution Centre - 65 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North
- Mid and South Canterbury - Mitre 10 MEGA Ashburton Distribution Centre - 14 McNally Street, Ashburton
- Nelson Bays and West Coast - Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson - 99 Quarantine Road
- Otago - Otago Polytechnic - 105 Forth St, Dunedin
- Rotorua and Taupō - Mitre 10 MEGA Rotorua Distribution Centre - 74 White Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua
- Taranaki - Mitre 10 MEGA New Plymouth - 5 Vickers Road, Waiwhakaiho
- Waikato/Coromandel - Mitre 10 MEGA Te Rapa - Maahanga Drive
- Wellington - Mitre 10 MEGA Petone Distribution Centre - 21 Peterkin Street, Wingate
- Whangārei and Bay of Islands - Mitre 10 MEGA Whangārei - 46 Porowini Ave
The winner of last year’s Apprentice Challenge, Scott Davies, said the award was a big achievement.
“Being named New Zealand’s top apprentice has opened a lot of doors and helped get my name out in the industry and wider community.
“I’ve genuinely loved every second of being in the trade so far. My goal is to start my own company and be part of changing the perception of carpentry, showing young people it’s a career with real opportunities and a strong future.
“This award has played a big role in helping create those opportunities.”
Following regional heats, the top performing apprentices will advance to the National Final, where they will present their pātaka and their apprenticeship story, with finalists sharing more than $35,000 in prizes.
