Regionals: Where the Challenge Begins

The Regional Heats are the first stage of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, delivered in partnership with BCITO and Mitre 10 Trade. This is where the competition really gets underway.

  • Date: Saturday 18 April 2026
  • Where: Locations across the country (see below — updated as confirmed)
  • Time: TBC

What happens on the day?

Apprentices from around New Zealand will compete head-to-head, all on the same day to build the same project and will be given 8 hours to complete. This year the project is a Pātaka, a community sharing cupboard.

Build plans and tool lists will be sent to entrants ahead of the event, giving them time to prepare. On the day, it’s all about skill, precision, and working under pressure.

At the end of the 8-hour build, judges will assess each project to determine who advances to the National Final which will take place on 5 and 6 June at the NZCB Conference & Expo.

Regional heat 2026 locations

Auckland Mitre 10 Mega Westgate, 95A Northside Drive
Canterbury Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead, 1005 Ferry Road
Central Otago TBC Wanaka
Gisborne Mitre 10 Gisborne, 24 Derby Street
Hawkes Bay TBC Hastings
Manawatu TBC Palmerston North
Mid and South Canterbury TBC Ashburton
Nelson Bays Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson, 99 Quarantine Road
Rotorua TBC
Taranaki TBC
Taupo Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo, 99 Bella George Lane
Tauranga Districts Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga, 1066 Cameron Road
Waikato/Coromandel Mitre 10 MEGA Te Rapa, Maahanga Drive
Wellington Mitre 10 Distribution Centre, 21 Peterkin Street, Lower Hutt
Whangarei TBC

Come and watch the action

The regional heats are open to the public, so we welcome you to come along and show your support.

Bring your whānau, your workmates, and your team to cheer on the next generation of construction talent. It’s a full day of action, skill, and community spirit.

Thank you to our sponsors

Most Regional Heats will be hosted at Mitre 10 stores or distribution centres around the country. A huge thank you to Mitre 10 Trade for sponsoring and supporting the 2026 NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

The BCITO team will also be onsite with a fun, hands-on activity for attendees to get involved in, there’s something for everyone.