In this episode, we’re joined by Dylan Bull and Alex Hawthorne from Levela Deconstruction—two founders challenging the status quo of demolition in New Zealand. Instead of sending building waste straight to landfill, they’ve built a business focused on carefully dismantling structures to salvage and reuse materials. From timber and steel to joinery and fixtures, they’re proving that deconstruction is not only better for the planet, it’s commercially viable and creates more jobs on site.

We dig into how Levela works with clients like the Ministry of Education, how their approach compares in cost and time to traditional demolition, and why smarter waste separation is catching on across the industry. If you’re ready to think differently about waste, this episode is packed with real-world insight, practical ideas, and a glimpse at what construction could look like with sustainability built in.

Featured Guest: Levela Deconstruction
Website: https://leveladeconstruction.co.nz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levela_deconstruction
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levela-deconstruction-ltd/

Where else you can find us

Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/

Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

Katherine Hall, CEO of ConCOVE, joins the Master Builders Elevate podcast to talk about the future of trades in New Zealand and why now is the time to invest in it. She shares the trends reshaping vocational training, including why most construction apprentices don’t start until 27, and what we need to do to better support them: from smarter pathways and stronger employer-apprentice support, to rethinking how we treat each other on site.

Ryan and Katherine discuss why New Zealand needs a national apprenticeship strategy, how pastoral care can make or break learner success, what bystander theory reveals about creating safer, more inclusive worksites, and why employers should be actively building relationships with schools.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to bring on your first apprentice or a seasoned operator wondering what’s next for the workforce, this episode is full of insights and ideas to help you future-proof your team and your trade.

Useful links:
www.concove.ac.nz
Funding of vocational education for the construction and infrastructure sector discussion paper
Overview page
Connect with Katherine Hall on LinkedIn

Where else you can find us

Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/

Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

In this Chief’s Chat, Ankit Sharma shares an update on the building and construction sector’s outlook for 2025. Signs of slow, steady recovery are emerging, led by improving economic indicators and easing construction costs. Regional economies are driving this rebound, with momentum expected to flow into major urban centres over the next 12 to 18 months. Ankit also highlights Master Builders’ regional summits, which connect members, local councils, and industry experts to tackle challenges and share solutions.

The conversation closes with a focus on consenting reform. Ankit explains how collaboration between government, councils, and industry is driving practical changes like a national consenting system, risk-based approaches, and tech use to reduce delays and costs. These reforms aim to boost productivity and support builders in planning for the future. For a clear and grounded update on the sector and Master Builders’ work to support members, this episode is a must-listen.

Useful links
www.constructive.org.nz
Regional Constructive Summits
Constructive 2025 Registration Form

Where else you can find us

Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/

Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuilders

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg