Fort-building challenge ahead of apprentices

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

BUILDING apprentices will battle it out on Saturday, April 1, in the Gisborne regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge.
The ITM-sponsored competition will require each apprentice to build a fort, the design plans for which will be revealed a week ahead of the competition. 
The eight-hour challenge requires proficiency in a raft of carpentry skills, with a focus on attention to detail and time management.
As well as earning the title of Gisborne’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge winner and a prize for first place, the winner will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the national final at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch on May 26-27.
A judging panel of building practitioners and industry educators will assess each apprentice’s technical skills and technique, the quality of their workmanship, precision of measuring and cutting, assembly and ability to work to a detailed plan — all while working against the clock.
Each fort must meet minimum safety standards and competitors will be provided with durable, trade-quality timber and materials from ITM to complete the project.
The Gisborne regional final is being held at Versatile Buildings in Gladstone Road and is open to the public. 
The event begins at 8am and the best time to attend is from 3pm onwards. The winner will be announced at around 5pm.
The Gisborne event is one of 20 regional finals being held simultaneously around the country.