Presentations from Conference 2025
Presentations from those who used slides (and gave permission for them to be shared) are available below. To keep the file size manageable, all Powerpoint presentations have been converted to PDFs. The video of James Laughlin's closing keynote speech is also available here.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
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BRAD OLSEN, Infometrics
The economic outlook for New Zealand with a focus on building and construction: Click here for Brad's slides. Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. Brad is passionate about using economics to make better informed decisions. With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community and social sectors, Brad brings together a variety of views, data and emerging trends to inform the advice and analysis he shares with key decision makers across the country. |
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DAVID HALL, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
Building Code and regulatory changes and policies looking forward: Click here for a condensed version of David's presentation. David Hall is the General Manager of Building System Performance at MBIE – New Zealand's building regulator. Building System Performance provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs. |
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ANKIT SHARMA, Registered Master Builders
Residential building moving to 2030 and beyond: Click here for Ankit's slides. Ankit Sharma is the CEO of Registered Master Builders in New Zealand, where he oversees the organisation’s strategic direction, long-term growth, and the development of strategic capabilities. Previously, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at Master Builders. Ankit is passionate about driving innovation in the construction industry and believes that the right technology and partnerships can enable the sector to innovate and grow sustainably. |
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IAN WALSH, Argon & Co
Manufacturing excellence in frame & truss: Click here for Ian's slides. Ian Walsh is a partner at improvement consultants Argon & Co. He is a seasoned expert in operational improvement with extensive experience driving efficiency, quality and performance across diverse industries. With a deep understanding of 'Lean' methodologies, he has led numerous transformation initiatives. Ian has a proven track record of operational excellence, leadership, and the ability to turn complexity into clarity. |
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JON DAVIES, Pro Clima
Adding value safely: Click here for Jon's slides. Jon Davies returned to Pro Clima after four years with Oculus Architectural Engineering, where he was on the building enclosure design team for the Te Matawai development at 139 Greys Avenue in Auckland, which features 276 externally insulated apartments. During Jon's time at Oculus he developed an IANZ accredited test laboratory and made good use of it during lockdowns, completing a Master of Architecture investigating external insulation over existing buildings. Now Jon supports Pro Clima’s Technical Sales Team across New Zealand, creating educational resources and events that focus on hands-on learning rather than theoretical presentations. |
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JOSH CHAPMAN, Your Place Building, #nzbuilder
"You're not just cutting timber": A condensed version of Josh's presentation will be available here soon. Josh Chapman is a qualified builder who completed a traditional, hands-on apprenticeship with an old-school builder 10 years ago. As well as working as a builder in the Wellington region, Josh started the YouTube channel @nzbuilder while building his own home in 2023. The @nzbuilder channel now has more than 100,000 subscribers and features hundreds of videos. Josh's aim is to both educate and entertain as he gives his audience a peek behind the curtains of the building industry, sharing the minor and major victories and dramas that make up the life of a New Zealand builder. |
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BRUCE WALLACE, The Truss Joint
Beyond the triangle – Delivering BIG! We hope to have Bruce's slides available here soon. Bruce Wallace has more than 30 years of experience in the construction and truss industry. Raised on a 2,000-acre farm, he developed a strong work ethic early on. In 2008 he founded The Truss Joint, cementing his dedication to the trade. In the face of the post-Covid crisis, Bruce and his team have found alternative ways to thrive, developing a number of innovations that have transformed the Truss Joint business. |
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ANDREW DUNN, Timber Development Association
Future Framing Initiative – Taking back ownership and control of our destiny: Click here for Andrew's slides. Andrew has 40 years of experience in the building industry, including 34 years within the timber sector and 24 years as CEO of the Timber Development Association. His work within the timber industry has been at the market end of supply, focusing on the needs of the construction sector and how the timber industry can meet them. Andrew is a champion of the Future Framing Initiative, a collaborative programme that is revolutionising the lightweight timber-framed construction industry by modernising outdated design standards and strengthening the sector's competitive position against steel and concrete alternatives. |
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NICK STERLING, Innovation Activator
Leveraging AI for efficiency and growth in the building and construction sector: Click here for Nick's slides. Nick Sterling is the co-founder and CEO of the Innovation Activator, an offshoot of Callaghan Innovation, where he was recently the Head of Construction Innovation for more than 8 years. Nick leads a multidisciplinary team of experts to deliver mission-led initiatives that promote a thriving and innovative construction sector. In his role, Nick supports businesses to scale their growth through innovation. |
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SOPHIA VAN ZIJL, Leadership & Governance Collective Construction's hidden engine – Results of CEO Culture Survey: Click here for a condensed version of Sophia's presentation.
Sophia van Zijl is a senior executive and board director with a track record of driving business transformation, cultural change and operational excellence across companies in NZ, Australia and the United Kingdom. With a background in human resources, strategy, finance and transformation, she helps businesses navigate disruption, optimise performance, and drive strategy that delivers strong commercial outcomes. |
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JAMES LAUGHLIN, Laughlin Leadership
How to build a high-performance edge: Click here to watch the video of James's presentation in full (hosted on Dropbox). James Laughlin is a seven-time world champion drummer, sought-after keynote speaker and high-performance leadership consultant. As the host of the chart-topping Lead on Purpose podcast, James guides listeners toward a life of purpose, progress and personal growth. Through transformative conversations with extraordinary guests – prime ministers, Olympic gold medallists, billionaires, and visionary leaders –James shares practical tools and inspiring stories to help people unlock their potential, lead themselves, and create meaningful change in their lives. A fun part of James’ work involves running mental skills programmes for Canterbury Rugby as well as a wide range of athletes and corporate leaders. |
