Ongoing growth in the construction industry around Central Otago has prompted the establishment of the first ever local branch of the Registered Master Builders Association.
The Central Otago Branch meets for the first time in Cromwell on Tuesday February 9 at The Highlands Motorsport Park, and newly-appointed local President Allister Saville of AJ Saville Builder said the move was “very timely” for the organisation.
Central Otago builders from Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra previously operated under the banner of the Otago Branch, which includes Dunedin and its surrounding areas.
“We have more than 60 members based in Central Otago, we’re one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and we have a distinct local style of construction and specific challenges in this area,” said Mr Saville.
“It makes good sense to have our own ‘voice on the ground’ here in Central offering support mentoring and the advice around the full suite of benefits and services on offer to members including guarantee products, legal advice, good group buying discounts and so much more.
“Our challenges in Central are so different, from labour and skills issues to extremes in weather, difficult terrain, and the distance factor when it comes to sourcing some materials.
“We often have very transient staff, and high rentals don’t help when we are trying to attract skilled professionals with families, whereas places such as Invercargill, Dunedin or Gore have more stable workforces.
“We’re thrilled to get the new Branch off the ground and look forward to welcoming members on a regular basis. We plan to hold monthly meetings in different locations around Central to make it as easy as possible for members to attend.”
The inaugural meeting will be attended by Registered Master Builders Association President John Macdonald, Director Kerry Archer and CEO David Kelly, and attendees will be entertained by guest speaker Jim Boult.
Jim has been associated with the tourism industry for the past 33 years and has extensive business interests in many fields. He was a made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in the 2015 Honours List, recognising his contribution to the tourism industry and to the community.
The new Central Branch has an Executive Committee made up of Registered Master Builders members Sonja Gavin, Peter Campbell, Glen Cayless, Stu Clark, John Mansfield, John Herbert, Darryn Wilkie and Russell Hall.
“We want to build an organisation that people are inspired to belong to, so we’d like to encourage other builders to join us and be a part of this industry leading Association,” says Mr Saville.
“There’s a real desire amongst local members to feel we’re all part of a Branch that meets regularly, shares ideas and knowledge and creates a real collaborative network of Registered Master Builders that represents the brand locally.
“Collectively we want to work with our local councils to facilitate a more efficient and effective relationship.
“It’s the job of organisations such as Registered Master Builders to ensure that it’s an industry construction companies want to remain in and prosper.”
Potential new members are asked to contact Buster Coughtrey (Regional Services Manager – Southern) on 027 395 5749 or check out www.masterbuilder.org.nz for more information and online registration.