Blog
What we’ve been up to
We are incredibly excited to be involved in the construction of Westlake Girls High School’s new Whare Wananga. A first purpose built Whare and Learning Facility.
TV1 met with Nick Farrelly on a site to discuss his thoughts on the impact of the “cost of living crisis”. Take a look at what Nick had to say here
Edgecity are proud to have handed back to the School their GYM Changing Rooms, Classroom and new Sports Department after a 12mth refurbishment program.
We loved being part of the School community and are proud to provide fresh new facilities for the school, students and the community.
The work was led by Edgecity’s Site Lead Clément Richer, with the wider “project team” working together & meeting fortnightly to ensure budgets, time and results all met expectation.
Career Bites
Whilst onsite for the GYM project, we were able to contribute to the schools “Career Bites” program. Career Bites is a lunchtime session where students gain an understanding of career life after school. Courtney our 3rd year Apprentice and Sharon were invited to present to 13 engaged students on how to enter the Carpentry Trade. Students heard from Courtney about life on the tools and from Sharon on the Apprenticeship program and what to look for in an employer. We hope the brief insight inspires a future Builder.
For 10yrs Edgecity Builders have proudly supported Leila Walker from Cambridge in her pursuit of excellence on the BMX world stage.
Last month in Leila’s first World Championship appearance in the Elite Women’s class, Leila secured a very well deserved 7th place.
The Olympic dream getting close! Well done on the dedication and hard work Leila - we salute you!
Edgecity Builders were proud to nominate 3rd year Apprentice, Courtney Willan for the Bunnings in partnership with NAWIC Future Leaders Award . Courtney went on to win one of three awards in NZ from over 170 nominees.
Courtney was awarded her prizes at Bunnings in Wairau Road on the 10th May. Both Courtney & Sharon spoke at the ceremony on how Courtney entered the industry and the pathway provided to her by Edgecity Builders. The event was attended by Bunnings, NAWIC, AEG, Hard Yakka.
Courtney is also a finalist in the NAWIC Apprentice Excellence Awards to be held in July 2024. We have our fingers crossed for you Courtney.
At the end of May, William Pike was our inspiring Guest Speaker at the North Harbour Club BEN Breakfast at Regatta.
William spoke about his experience on Mt Ruapehu, where he survived a volcanic eruption that led to the loss of his leg. Despite this life-altering event, William's passion for outdoor adventures and his commitment to personal growth has remained undiminished. He mentioned his autobiography, ‘Every Day’s a Good Day,’ an engaging story of his survival and ongoing adventures in the outdoors.
“Better never stops,” a statement made by William, “is a philosophy we can take into our business and personal life,” said Andrew Hill from BDO.
At Edgecity Builders we are committed to training the future of our industry. In May, we welcomed Ollie Frost to the Crew.
Ollie joins other Edgecity Apprentices in our ECB Apprentice POD. The POD (professional ongoing development) is a group of Apprentices working together after hours at our premises to collectively complete their “homework” and to share their learning space to support their progression in the industry.
We wish you well Ollie on your journey to becoming a Trade Qualified Carpenter.
Once again this year, Nick donned his “distinguished” wardrobe on a ride to raise funds for men’s mental health. The ride takes place throughout the work. Auckland saw 400 motorbike riders enjoy an organised day in the May sun stopping throughout the day to share better bike stories. A mammoth $86k raised by the bike enthusiasts out enjoying themselves.
The Edgecity Crew appeared in the Channel Magazine during May. Take a look at the story below.
Martelli McKegg have been putting on relevant early morning Toolbox sessions for Builders for many years. Who better to keep us informed on industry than those that deal with matters daily. Use of contracts, clauses in contracts, contract deposits - all business 101’s to ensure your business and your Client’s have peace of mind when building their “biggest asset”.
Each month hosts a different topic based on current market trends. Recently we discussed ventilation and healthy homes. Kiren and the team at Martelli McKegg ensure that we continue learning and also build healthy business support relationships through networking at their 7:00am meetings. Who can dispute the views from the 20th floor overlooking the inner harbour.
2024 saw us at the Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph followed by our local Takapuna service at 9:30 honouring the fallen.
Always a good chance to chat to those who have served as well as those wishing to learn more about the ill fated beach landing by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Nick is proud to have served, now retired from NZ Army Corps of Signals as Warrant Officer Class II.
We were joined in Takapuna this year by our Grandson attending his first Anzac Day service with his Great Grandfathers Service medal.
Even Chisel managed to get a poppy in time for the Service.
The Edgecity crew are always up for a challenge. To celebrate end of Q1 2024, the crew met at the Tamaki Drive Outboard Boating Club to try their hand at Fish Filleting run by Kai Ika.
Q1 Crew Member Awards recognised growth and leadership within individuals as well as the success of our Apprentices in the 2024 NZ Certified Builders Apprentice Auckland Challenge
Fish filleting skills are apparent within the Crew. Very useful given our Crew “Christmas” event is to attend an annual fishing tournament where competition runs high.
Nothing like a fish and chip butty in the back of the Van.
Thanks to Dave Ahoia and Dallas Abel from team Legasea for sharing your skills with us.
Nick and Sharon from Edgecity had an opportunity as members of the North Harbour Club and as a North Shore small business owner/operator to discuss the current building and construction challenges with Rt Hon Christoper Luxon during the lunch. Great discussions were had with the Education Minister Hon Erica Standford. It was a great business networking afternoon with like minded business owners who give full support to excellence on the North Shore. Pictured above: Sharon, Rt Hon Christoper Luxon, Nick, Matty Mclean (MC), Erica Stanford and fellow NZCB Board Member Andree Atkinson. Also present was Simon Watts, a great supporter of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge on the North Shore.
What an amazing day at the Lexus of North Shore Charity Luncheon on Thursday 11th April. An enthusiastic crowd of 500 gathered to hear from distinguished guest speaker, the RT Hon Christopher Luxon. The event, held at North Harbour Stadium, was a testament to the spirit of generosity and community support.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous meal complemented by wines from EuroVintage, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with engaging speakers and entertainment by AIMES Scholarship Alumni, Shan Liu, whose talent as a pianist added an extra layer of charm.
MC Matty Mclean set the tone for the day, noting the significance of Mr. Luxon's first public speaking engagement since assuming office as Prime Minister.
In his address, RT Hon Christopher Luxon shared his optimism for the future of New Zealand, emphasising the importance of building a robust economy, restoring law and order, and enhancing public services. His vision for a thriving and inclusive society resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring hope, and determination.
“At 136 days in I feel very optimistic about New Zealand,” said Mr Luxon. “We are a fantastic modern multi-cultural country built on a strong foundation. I believe we should have an ambition by 2040 to be one of the leading small, advanced countries on earth.”
As the event unfolded, guests were invited to participate in live and silent auctions, as well as purchase raffle tickets, all in support of the charitable cause. The overwhelming response from attendees ensured the success of the event, with funds raised exceeding expectations.
The charity luncheon would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors including Lexus of North Shore, Oceanbridge, EuroVintage Wines, and Benefitz.
The North Harbour Club President, Mike Atkinson, expressed gratitude to members for their continuous support and highlighted the invaluable contributions of the North Harbour Club to the region, underscoring the importance of events like the AIMES Awards Gala Dinner.
Edgecity are proud to announce…
Edgecity Builders Apprentice Courtney Willan claimed the title of Auckland North/West champion at the annual NZ Certified Builders Association Auckland regional event held on Saturday 6th April 2024 at Hillside ITM.
Apprentices from all over the Auckland region are split into two groups (Auckland North/West and Auckland East/South) and are given 8hrs to complete a project from plans and are then assessed on practical skill, measurements, finishing detail as well as their general set up and health & safety. This year’s challenge was a picnic table. Throughout the day employers, friends, families, colleagues and local Politicians turn up to support all the Apprentices.
Courtney competed against her industry peers alongside fellow Edgecity Builders Apprentice Zak Petropoulos who took out 3rd place.
Courtney now moves on to the finals, an event being held in Wellington this year at the annual NZ Certified Builders Conference. Courtney will compete in the June event against all other regional first place finalists in a bid for the National title.
Described as “a striking concrete and glass Auckland mansion” an early 2000’s new build by Edgecity Builders has just sold for $13m. Bayleys Real Estate Agent Sarah Liu says this of the home - “The two-storey house featured a unique entrance, a glass-walled corridor beside the garage looking out to a courtyard. The spiral steel staircase to the master suite, inspired by cruise ships, is an artwork”.
The project was undertaken over a 18mth period starting with demolition of the existing home on the property. The homeowner at the time was incredibly fun to work with and very much involved throughout the build. Nick and Site Lead, Steve along with the Edgecity build crew enjoyed his involvement and the collaboration of minds for the build process and the sourcing of materials for this high end residential build.
Take a look at some of the photos here from the OneRoof article.
With a strong drive to lure the trophy off JK up north and rest it down at Hillside, the Edgecity fishing crew aka Reel Work, were back for a third year to compete in the annual ITM Fishing competition in February. After Kev catching such a huge fish last year our spirits were high. Whilst no fish were in contention for prizes this year, the annual banter and camaraderie was strong. We swap the high vis on the day for our Legasea long sleeve t’s on the water before heading off to prize-giving in our Hillside ITM kit. Matt Watson inspires the chat leading in to the preparation for next years attempt to win.
FAMILY
Getting away for a weekend to see Family outside of Auckland is always exciting. Meeting the airline check-in deadlines from the Nth Shore on a Friday sometimes sees us travel in our work attire. Here we are travelling to see family in New Plymouth. Always a great time exploring the coast line between the New Plymouth airport and family out at Oakura. Nick extremely satisfied this trip when seeing the mountain in the clear.
SPORT
We enjoy Business House Bowls or Krak a Jack at the Takapuna Bowling Club. Local businesses, local residents meeting pre-Christmas and post-Christmas to enjoy and be highly competitive at times, 10 ends of bowls followed by a BBQ. Nick has a role to play as “Raffle-meister” and entertains the Bowlers as they claim their winnings. Last season saw the MDS/Edgecity (Architects & Builders) team finish runners up to the Angry Pineapples (aka Lumpy Pineapples).
Christmas is a time to pause and spend time to recognise and thank all who we work alongside, our Clients and those who support our business. At Edgecity we finish the year with Crew awards followed by a lunch before everyone heads away for a well earned break and recharge. We always find time for a Christmas lunch at Hillside ITM, to drop gifts off to our wonderful Clients, to have a drink with suppliers and business partners and to hold online meets to spread Christmas cheer with those outside the Auckland area.
The team from Newline pulled into the Edgecity carpark with their caravan showroom and walked the Crew through all things new in their range of bathroom showers & vanities. Before heading to site, the Crew enjoyed breakfast together, some fun awards and a shared birthday cake for Zak & Nick.
As Chair of NZ Certified Builders it was an honour for Sharon & I to be invited to the Gisborne regions calendar launch in October 2023. The calendar (somewhat similar to the old Fireman calendar albeit members were mostly clothed/covered) was an initiative created by the local NZCB members to not only raise the profile of NZCB in the region but also to give back to the community and support local charity Hear4U. Hear4U is a charitable trust advocating for men’s mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention. Hear4U has helped men with pathways through their mental health journeys.
Flying into Gisborne for the launch and spending the weekend in the region was a fantastic way to connect with our fellow NZCB members in the region. To be invited into their homes for a chat, taken to their building sites to see the projects they are working on, to be driven around cyclone & flood devastated areas and shown the work they did to help save residents and buildings and to hear their stories of the community was an immense experience. Thanks Brendan Fry, Tracy and the members in the region for the invite & for show casing your area! We even got to experience the Fishing Club atmosphere for the RWC final together with Hear4U founder Krissy Mackintosh.
